The Bayelsa State Governor, Seriake Dickson, has confirmed the passing on of his mother, Gold Coast Dickson. She was 72 years old.

The governor in a statement signed by his Chief Press Secretary, Francis Agbo, said she died of cancer early hours of Thursday at the University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Centre, Houston, Texas where she had been receiving treatment.

Mr Dickson expressed appreciation to the Centre especially the team of medical professionals who did their best to save the life of his mother.

Mr Dickson also thanked family members, friends, political associates and Nigerians generally for their prayers and support in the most trying times for the Dickson family.

Until her last breathe, she was a quintessential mother, devout Christian and community leader who devoted her lifetime to the service of God and humanity, the spokesperson said.

Condolence registers have been opened in Government House, Yenagoa, the governor’s residences in Opolo, Yenagoa and Toru-Orua Community in Sagbama LGA, Bayelsa State Liaison Office (IZON Warri) in Abuja and Governor’s Lodge, Asokoro, Abuja.

Funeral details will be announced by the family at a later date, he said.