Tiv Youth Council (TYC) Worldwide has condoled with the family of Unongo Kwaghngise and Ugbah families over demise of Wantaregh Paul Unongo, a former Minister of Power and Steel development.
Conveying their condolence message via a press statement on Saturday on behalf of TYC, its President Hon Mike Msuaan said, “The umbrella body of the Tiv Youth Worldwide extends heartfelt condolences to the family of Unongo over the death of their patriarch, Wantaregh Paul Unongo.
“The death of Wantaregh Paul Iorpuu Unongo as a rude shock to the nation.”
Reminiscing over his struggles for the entrenchment of democracy Nigeria, the Tiv Youth president recalled his vocal voice the against military government in the country.
“His efforts towards, the greatness of the Tiv nation and minority agitation cannot be forgotten easily. He formed the community of Tiv students and has remained her life patron in his efforts to unite the Tiv nation,” he said.
According to Hon. Msuaan, Paul Unongo’s book “Where do we go from here” is an encyclopedia of pragmatic suggestions for the evolution of the Tiv nation.
He said, “Paul Unongo remains one of the few leading voices on the unity of Benue and the nation. He preached and lived it.
“As Convener of the Northern Elders Forum, Unongo sought to unite all tribes in the country. He is a well known Zikist for his support for Nnamdi Azikiwe.
“Unongo was amongst the few nationalists who mixed patriotism and intellectualism in the struggle and defence of Nigeria’s democracy.
“He was a community leader, who fashioned out many initiatives to develop his community. As a philanthropist, he provided free education for many in his community and across the nation.
“Unongo’s wise counsel, leadership, oratory and soundness will greatly be missed by his family, the Tiv Nation, Benue State and Nigeria as a whole.
“The Tiv Youth Council Worldwide pray for the peaceful repose of his soul and for God to grant his family, friends and political associates the fortitude to bear the loss.”
