The demise of Ijaw leader, Pa Edwin Clark on Tuesday cut short the joy of about 3,000 beneficiaries of Gov Douye Diri’s skills acquisition scheme slated to receive their starter-pack at the Gabriel Okara Cultural Centre.

The youths who completed various skills acquisition schemes eagerly awaited taking delivery of the business empowerment kits, having completed requisite documentation when the master of ceremonies at the event announced the suspension.

The development threw up an atmosphere of gloom amongst the 3,000 beneficiaries who had waited for more than two hours for the event to kick-off.

Most of the beneficiaries lamented that the event has been out off for the second time, haven't been shifted from February 14.

“What type of misfortune is this? We all paid transport for the second time now.

“They could have just managed to do it considering what the organisers have put in place. What happens to the food, refreshment and entertainment already put in place?” one of the beneficiaries said.

The beneficiaries who wore long faces trooped out of the venue while discussing the development.

Diri had earlier in a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr Daniel Alabrah, expressed grief at Clark’s demise.

“I have consequently directed that all flags in the state fly at half-mast for three days while all our government’s fifth anniversary activities remain suspended for the same period,”