Vice President Senator Kashim Shettima on Tuesday paid tribute in Makurdi to Wantategh Paul Unongo, the previous Minister of Energy and Metal within the 2nd Republic.
The rest of Unongo, who gave up the ghost on 29 November 2022 on the time of 87, shall be laid to remains this weekend in his native land, Unongo Village, in Kwande Native Govt Branch of Benue Situation.
His frame used to be transported from Jos, the Plateau Situation capital, to Makurdi on Tuesday for a wake held at Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida Sq., Makurdi.
Talking previous on the Govt Area in Makurdi, the Vice President praised the overdue flesh presser, describing him as a selfless chief dedicated to solidarity, justice, and fact.
In step with Shettima, Unongo’s past used to be a testomony to management anchored in carrier, resignation in the back of a legacy of certain integrity.
He stated, “Pa Unongo lived now not for himself however for the betterment of others. He exemplified management rooted in carrier, and his legacy is one in every of unflinching integrity.
Departing on the venerable time of 87, Pa Unongo used to be some of the lucky few who witnessed the culmination of his labour in his lifetime. Many are living lengthy best to contradict the beliefs in their more youthful years, however he used to be an exception.
“He remained a type of dignity, shyness, and goal. A father determine to generations of students, nation servants, politicians, and folk leaders, Pa Unongo demonstrated that management can go beyond date—that carrier to at least one’s society can bear even later depart from the nation level.
“80-seven years have been enough quantity for this remarkable guy to put in writing a handbook on managing excellence. From his beginnings as a lavish psychologist revolutionising academia in Nigeria to his willpower to nationwide carrier, Pa
Unongo’s past testifies to the heights that ocular, self-discipline, and backbone can reach.
“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.”
The Vice President additional famous, “As others elderly into tranquility depart, Pa Unongo selected a extra exhausting trail. He changed into a unifier, a tonality for the collective, and a champion of regional unity. As Chairman of the Northern Elders’ Discussion board (NEF), succeeding the respected Alhaji Maitama Sule, he shouldered a weight few may raise.
“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.”
Alternative dignitaries who paid tribute incorporated former Senate President Bukola Saraki, Chairman of the Northern Elders’ Discussion board Trainer Ango Abdullahi, Chairman of the Northern States Governors’ Discussion board and Gombe Situation Governor Inuwa Yahaya, and previous Nationwide Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Birthday celebration Audu Ogbeh. Of their sovereign speeches, all of them described the overdue Unongo as a visionary chief who aspired for a Nigeria with exemplary management.
The top of the Unongo folk, Mr Joseph Unongo, week presenting the frame of the overdue Tiv non secular chief, stated that sooner than his loss of life, the overdue flesh presser had asked that his burial be performed by means of Governor Alia.