The Bayelsa State Executive Council has held a special farewell session in honour of the former Commissioner for Youth and Sports, Mr. Ken Kayama, at the Government House, Yenagoa.
Mr. Kayama, who passed away on June 24, 2025, at the age of 61, served as a member of the state cabinet between 2001 and 2003 during the administration of the late Chief Diepreye Alamieyeseigha.
In his tribute, Governor of Bayelsa State, Senator Douye Diri, described the late commissioner as not only a supporter of his administration but also a close friend. He noted that Kayama rose above narrow affiliations and partisanship and remained optimistic about the success of the ASSURED Prosperity Agenda of his administration, a rare quality that distinguished him among his contemporaries.
On behalf of the Bayelsa State Government and the people of the state, Governor Diri expressed condolences to the bereaved family, noting that words may seem insufficient in the face of such a loss. He described the deceased as a worthy son of Bayelsa, a committed public servant, and a man whose legacy of service remains worthy of emulation.
Speaking on behalf of former cabinet colleagues, the former Commissioner for Lands and Survey, Chief Francis Igodo, described Kayama as a compassionate friend who loved his people and community. He recalled that the deceased introduced a friendly football match between members of the State Executive Council and the House of Assembly and noted that Kayama was among the four youngest commissioners at the time, including himself.
Also speaking, the Commissioner for Sports, Dr. Daniel Igali, said Kayama’s life represented the celebration of a pioneer whose legacies continue to resonate across sports, politics, and community life in the state. Fondly referred to as “001” by sports commissioners, Kayama earned the title as the first Commissioner for Youth and Sports in Bayelsa State, laying a solid foundation for successors, including the current governor, who once served in the ministry.
Dr. Igali added that his relationship with the deceased revealed an exceptional and brilliant personality who had a deep love for sports, especially wrestling. He described the late Kayama as a great family man, mentor, and bridge builder.
Dignitaries at the farewell session included a former Speaker of the House of Assembly and Deputy Governor of the state, Rt. Hon. Peremobowei Ebebi; former Secretary to the State Government, Ambassador Felix Oboro; former Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Mr. Talford Ongolo; as well as immediate and extended family members of the deceased.
