… Unongo sacrificed his life for the progress of his people – VP Shettima
From Attah Ede Makurdi
An elder statesman and spiritual leader of Tiv Nation, Wantaregh Paul Iorpuu Unongo will be laid to rest on Saturday November 30th, 2024 in his home town jato ‘aka, Kwande LGA of Benue State.
Unongo, a former Minister of Power and Steel Development in the second republic, died on November 29, 2022 at 87 after a protracted illness.
His body arrived Makurdi, the State capital on Tuesday, November 26th to begin the last journey with a valedictory session held at the banquet hall of Government House, Makurdi.
Speaking during the validitary session, Vice President of Nigeria, Sen. Kashim Shettima, described Unongo as an academic trailblazer, an intellectual giant and a politician who sacrificed personal comfort for the safety and progress of his people.
He further said Pa Unongo was not just a scholar or a politician; but a statesman who put the needs of his people and his nation above all.
The VP noted that late Unongo exemplified leadership rooted in service, and his legacy is one of unflinching integrity.
“We gather here not just to mourn the passing of a great man but to celebrate the monumental life of Wantaregh Paul Iyorpuu Unongo. He came, he saw, and he left indelible marks on our nation’s history.
“Departing at the venerable age of 87, Pa Unongo was among the fortunate few who witnessed the fruits of his labour in his lifetime. Many live long only to contradict the ideals of their younger years, but he was an exception.
“He remained a model of dignity, humility, and purpose, as well as a father figure to generations of scholars, public servants, politicians and community leaders.
“Pa Unongo demonstrated that leadership can transcend time-that service to one’s people can endure even after retirement from the public stage.
“Eighty-seven years were enough for this exceptional man to write a manual on managing excellence. From his beginnings as a brilliant psychologist revolutionising academia in Nigeria to his dedication to national service, Pa Unongo’s life testifies to the heights that vision, discipline, and determination can achieve.
“He was not just a scholar or a politician; he was a statesman in the truest sense-a man who put the needs of his people and his nation above all else.
“As others aged into quiet retirement, Pa Unongo chose a more arduous path. He became a unifier, a voice for the collective, and a champion of regional harmony,” he stressed.
“As Chairman of the Northern Elders’ Forum (NEF), succeeding the revered Alhaji Maitama Sule, he shouldered a weight few could carry. In a region often defined by its complexity and diversity, he offered wisdom, tact, and a vision of unity that transcended ethnic and religious divides.
“It was no small feat to speak for such a multifaceted region, yet he did so with grace and integrity.
“Dr Unongo taught us the delicate art of managing diversity without being misunderstood. He was honest beyond measure, a quality attested to by the countless eulogies from former students, colleagues, and those privileged to call him a mentor.
“In fields where principles are often sacrificed for expedience, he stood tall, holding fast to his convictions until his final days. This rare adherence to principle is his greatest gift to Nigeria-a nation in dire need of role models who inspire by their actions rather than their rhetoric.
“Principle, as Pa Unongo demonstrated, is the rarest currency in leadership. It is a currency that builds trust, fosters unity, and leaves a legacy that no wealth can purchase.
“For this, we owe him a profound debt of gratitude. His life was a guidebook for how to lead with honour, serve with humility, and inspire with purpose.
“He has shown us why, despite our challenges, Nigeria remains one nation under God, held together by the selfless efforts of patriots like him,” he stressed.
In his tribute, Prof Abdullahi Ango
Chairman, Northern Elders Forum, said late Unongo was his classmate at secondary school in 1953, stating that Wantaregh was an activist and had the same political thinking like late JS Tarka.
“He was desirous of a country with good leadership and worked very hard to help Nigeria but never forgot his routes.
“He lived and died for the cause of justice. We have lost a leader. Nigeria has lost a son”, Prof. Ango stated.
Chief Audu Ogeh who spoke on behalf of Benue Elders Forum, described Unongo as a very excited person to know with broad mind and vision.
According to him, Unongo has friends across the country and beyond and was an inspiration to many young people
“Unongo was a political philosopher, not a tribalist. His influence would continue to affect all of us. He was a strong advocate of economic development because politics alone would not carry us thus far”, Ogbe maintained.
On his part, the former President of the Senate, Sen. Bukola Saraki, said Unongo wealth was in his heart as he was not known for materialistic and lived for the people.
“He was with me during my trouble times and insisted that justice was served. He wanted nothing more than a better Nigeria”, Saraki stated.
Chairman, Northern States Governor’s Forum and Governor of Gombe State, Inuwa Yahaya, said it was a day to celebrate, saying that Unongo came, saw and conquered.
The chief mourner and Governor of Benue State, Rev. Fr. Hyacinth Alia commended Unongo’s immediate family for fulfilling the death wish of their father.
He condoled with the family for the passing of their leader and also commended the VP for again coming to pay respect to a Statesman who is also the son of the State.
The head of Unongo family, Mr Joseph Unongo, while presenting the body of the late Tiv spiritual leader for the session, disclosed that, before his father’s death, he asked that he should be buried by Governor Alia.
According to him, his father also said before his death, he should not be mourned after his death, but rather be celebrated.
