The Governor of Benue State, Rev Fr Dr Hyacinth Iormem Alia has called on the entire members of Unongo Kwaghngise family to look up to God and trust in Him as they buried their father.
Governor Alia made the call Saturday, November 30, 2024 in Kwande while speaking at the funeral of the second Republic Minister of Steel Development, Late Wantaregh Paul Iorpuu Unongo.
He stated that the impact of late Wantaregh Paul Iorpuu Unongo cannot be exhausted, describing him as a legendary son of Benue who built and developed human capacity of the citizenry in the state.
“He was someone who stood for the masses, who worked for the masses, and who gave his life for the good of the poor masses someone whose interest was for the development of Benue State and of Tiv land”. The Governor added, stressing that his inspirational leadership can never be exhausted by any books.
Governor Alia highlighted the contributions of the late Wantaregh to the development of Tiv land emphasizing the schools and hospitals he has built in the land.
The Governor reiterated the resolve of his administration to bring to Kwande a higher institution to replace the one that was taken away from them, adding that a committee led by the Commissioner for Education and Knowledge Management has already been set to that effect.
He emphasized unity of purpose, calling on Benue sons and daughters to unite and work for the good of the state.
“When Sen. Suswam spoke here, when Sen. Gemade spoke here, when Prof. Tsea Yō spoke here, one thing was stressed – a unity of purpose for the entire Benue people; a spirit of oneness and togetherness. Success for our people would only come when they are united”.
The Governor warned cheer leaders who are fanning the embers of discord amongst Benue political elite to desist forthwith, stressing that the problem of Benue State was neither Sen. Akume nor himself.
Governor Alia appreciated the president of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Bola Ahmed Tinubu for the love he has for the State and for identifying with Benue people in their time of grief.
He equally thanked the Vice President, Sen. Kashim Shettima, the former president of Nigeria, Olusegun Obasanjo, former Senate President, Bukola Saraki, the Northern Elders Forum and all those who stood by the state during that sorrowful time.
Governor Alia, on behalf of the Government of Benue State, extended his most sincere condolences to the Unongo Kwaghngise family, advising them to put their trust in God and look up to Him in all things.
The funeral also attracted the presence of prominent Benue sons and daughters including the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Sen. George Akume, the Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, Prof. Joseph Utsev, Barr. Sam Ode, Sen. Gabriel Suswam, Sen. Barnabas Gemade, Sen. Titus Zam, Prof. Tsea Yō, and Prof. Steve Ugbah, amongst many others
Written by Isaac Uzaan
