By Henry Iyorkase, Makurdi

The Northern Governors’ Forum, said that the ideals and selfless service of the late Wantaregh Paul Iorpuu Unongo to Nigerians cannot be forgotten in a hurry, as he lived his life encouraging others to succeed in their endeavours.

Chairman of the Forum and Governor Inuwa Yahaya of Gombe State, made this statement during a valedictory session held yesterday in honour of the former Minister of Steel Development and one-time Chairman of the Northern Elders Forum (NEF), at the Government House, Makurdi, Benue State.

Yahaya, the Governor of Gombe State, said that Unongo, who was one of the privileged early Nigerians, despite his influence and connections, always lived for the common man.

“Let me reiterate that we are here to celebrate him because he came and conquered. He is worthy of commendation, and we pray for the peace of his family,” he said.

Governor Hyacinth Alia, who received the corpse on behalf of the State Elders Forum, applauded Unongo’s family for the honour bestowed upon him after his death, stating that people are celebrating his life rather than sorrowfully mourning.

Alia further commended President Bola Tinubu for honouring the state by sending his Vice President, Shettima, to attend Unongo’s valedictory session.

“It is with a very deep sense of humility that I receive the remains of Wantaregh Paul Unongo today to hand over to the elders of the state for burial at Unongo Village. I also want to thank the family of Unongo for honouring the elder statesman’s death wish, which was for people to celebrate his death instead of mourning,” he said.

In his remarks, former President of the Senate, Senator Bukola Saraki, said the entire wealth of Unongo was his intellect, not material things.

Saraki said that before his death, Unongo fought for justice and stood firmly by him during his trying times as Senate President.

He added that the late Chairman and Convener of the Northern Elders Forum wanted nothing more than a better Nigeria.

Mr. Joseph Unongo, who spoke on behalf of the family, said the late Unongo’s wish was for him to be buried by Governor Alia.

It could be recalled that the late Unongo, a former Minister of Power and Steel in the Second Republic, died on November 29, 2022, at the age of 87, in Jos, Plateau.

Born on September 26, 1935, Unongo belonged to the Kwaghngise-Anure-Abera ancestry in Turan, Kwande Local Government Area of Benue.

Unongo, in his political career, aspired to govern Benue in 1983 but lost to Aper Aku of blessed memory.

In 2017, Unongo succeeded Maitama Sule as the Chairman of the Northern Elders’ Forum.

Until his death, Unongo was the Chairman of the Governing Council of the Nigerian Educational Research and Development Council.