Delta Governor, Senator (Dr) Ifeanyi Okowa, has expressed sadness on the passing of his Special Adviser on Entrepreneurship Development, Chief (Mrs) Mary Iyasere.

Iyasere, a lawyer and renowned entrepreneur, reportedly died in the early hours of Thursday in Benin after a brief illness. She was 68.

In a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr Olisa Ifeajika, in Asaba, Okowa commiserated with the deceased’s family, people of Ethiope East Local Government Area and Orhoakpor community in particular over the demise of the astute and dependable politician and chieftain of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

He remarked that the deceased was a thoroughbred politician who was Woman Leader of PDP in the state from 2003 to 2007.

According to the governor, late Iyasere was a devoted party faithful who contributed immensely to the growth of PDP in her ward, local government area and the state.

“On behalf of the government and people of Delta, I mourn the passing of a great woman and grassroots-politician, who died in Benin on Thursday.

“The news of her death was that of utter bewilderment. Indeed, she was a gentlewoman-politician, friendly and receptive to the young and elderly, and distinguished herself in the service of our party and the state.

“As Commissioner for Commerce and Industry and a member of the state‘s Executive Council in our first term, Iyasere served diligently and demonstrated commitment to the unity and development of the state,” he said.

Okowa regretted that the deceased departed when her services were needed more, and said that the state government and the people would miss her sorely.

He prayed God to accept her nice soul and grant fortitude to the family, friends and associates she left to bear the loss.