By Emmanuel Lubem Akosu
Prominent leaders and scholars of Tiv extraction had on the 27th November, 2024, converged at Gboko, the headquarters of Tivland as they variously paid eloquent tributes to former second republic Minister of Steel, the Late Wantaregh Paul Iorpuu Unongo, OFR, speaking glowingly on the legacies of the Politician and sage.
The event was a symposium put together by friends of Wantaregh, scholars and leaders of thought to honor the life and times of late Paul Unongo whom they described as a Colossus who has left indelible marks for Nigeria and Tiv nation and generations to come.
Lead Discussants at the event included, Prof Iorwuese Hagher, Prof Zacharys Gundu, Prof Kohol Iornem, Dr Kennedy Ubwa and a former Military Governor of Benue State , General Atom Kpera, who also Chaired the August occasion .
Speaking on the topic: “10 Leadership Lessons From Wantaregh Paul Iorpuu Unongo,” a United Kingdom based humanitarian and academic, Prof Kohol Shadrach Iornem described Unongo as a selfless, visionary, compassionate and charismatic leader whose legacies towards the growth and transformation of Tiv nation and Nigeria at large will continue to inspire several generations.
Prof Iornem said through his established JULADACO Group of Companies, Unongo became a catalyst for transformational leadership, providing the people with healthcare, education, housing, transportation, scholarship and other essential needs of life.
“Wantaregh Paul Unongo’s legacy stands as a remarkable beacon of wisdom and inspiration for contemporary leaders. His life was marked by unwavering dedication to justice, equity, and inclusivity; values that resonate deeply today. As we reflect on his contributions, let us draw lessons from his commitment to fostering unity and progress within our communities,” Prof Iornem concluded.
According to Prof Iorwuese Hagher, former Ambassador and Minister, “the legacy of Paul Unongo in politics remains indescribable. He fought an ideological fight that can never be obtained. An ideology of conviction and commitment of a people.
“There was no government, military and civilian that existed without Paul Unongo as an inner Adviser, beginning from the government of former Military President Yakubu Gowon.”
Describing the death of “Wantaregh Paul Unongo is a colossal loss, not just to Tiv people, but Nigeria,” Prof Hagher called on Tiv leaders to avoid divisive politics, but work together in the burning interest of Tiv nation.
To Rev Dr Kennedy Ubwa, “Paul Unongo’s image and liberationist ideologies were meant to give Tiv people a direction in life. Unongo did not look at Tiv people as an ethnic group, but a people and a nation with a language and culture, having serious concerns on the welfare of Tiv people.”
Dr. Unwa explained that “Unongo gave his time for others with a resilient resolve to at all times defend their interests. He lived for everyone, whether you are illiterate or educated, old or young, class or classless, working towards the collective development of the people. Indeed he was a critic to bad governance, the reasons he was always framed up in most of the military coups.”
Distinguished Chairman of the event, and former military governor of Benue State, General Atom Kpera said that Wantaregh was someone his generation looked up to, beginning from the formation of the Community of Tiv Students (CTS), naming him among other Tiv like Ezekiel Akiga, Aper Aku as some of the earliest University graduates of Tiv nation.
“Paul Unongo was somebody that I respected. He was one who would fight for anything good. Paul was a fantastic politician,” Atom Kpera added.
Prof David Iornem, Chief host of the symposium, described Paul Unongo as “an enigma with remarkable impacts on humanity.’
He reeled out the history of Paul Unongo beginning from 1978, when the late Unongo spoke so eloquently in Canada which greatly impressed the then military President, Yakubu Gowon who would make him his unofficial Adviser in his government.
According to Prof Iornem, for the patriotic efforts of Paul Unongo, Tiv Native Authority was split into three to attract spread in relevance and development.
