THE recent call by the Benue State House of Assembly on the state government to immortalize the late Wantaregh Paul Unongo for his contribution to the progress and development of Benue State and Nigeria, is indeed a great one and applauding.
THE House had, during its Plenary called on the Benue State Government to immortalize the late elder statesman following a motion by members representing Kwande West and Kwande East State Constituencies, Hon. Thomas Dugeri and Hon. Samuel Matu, Unongo’s immediate constituency.
THEY had observed a minute silence in honour of the deceased whom they described as a philanthropist and political juggernaut who worked hard for the development of Tiv land, Benue State and Nigeria as a country.
IN the words of the House,”Wantaregh Unongo touched many lives through provision of food, education, health and several other areas of human endeavours. He was the first Tiv man to teach in the university, championed the creation of more local governments in Benue state, and the first Minister of Steel Development in the Second Republic under President Shehu Shagari”
UNONGO established hospitals, schools and transportation businesses for enhancement of socio-economic activities for Benue State and Nigeria at large. Some of the products of his school, JOLADACO High School, Kasa, Plateau State are former governor of Imo state, Rochas Okorocha and the current member representing Gboko East constituency in the Benue State House of Assembly, Hon. Mrs. Becky Orpin, among others.
HE also replaced the late Mallam Maitama Sule as the Chairman of Arewa Consultative Forum. Late Wantaregh Paul Unongo dedicated his life to public service and played a pivotal role in shaping the political landscape of Nigeria
PAUL Unongo came, he saw and he conquered. The Nation newspaper’s editorial of December 9, 2022 sums it all “Seasons and times define man. He is remembered for what he was able to do in the short time allotted him
PAUL Unongo played his part and would be remembered as one politician who loved his people and sought to lift them up. Other deeds of the man from Kwande Local Government Area of Benue State are already consigned to the history books”
THE need to immortalized Paul Iyorpuu Unongo is apt and not contestable, to repose his soul!
