By Nkechi Eze
The Honourable Minister of Works, Senator Engr. David Umahi, CON, has described the late Senator Barinada Mpigi as a patriotic leader whose life was devoted to the unity and development of Nigeria, during a condolence visit to the late lawmaker’s family. Senator Mpigi, until his passing, served as the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Works.
In an official signed statement, Francis Nwaze, Senior Special Assistant on Media to the Minister, disclosed that Senator Umahi praised the late senator’s steadfast commitment to national progress and his belief in collective responsibility in building the country.
“We came to be of one spirit for the growth of this Nation. The contract ongoing at Keffi is as important to the National Assembly Chairman, Committee on Works, as that which is ongoing at Kano or Ebonyi. That is the spirit we can use to take back our country led by President Ahmed Tinubu,” the Minister said.
Senator Umahi assured the family that the Federal Government would continue to honour the late lawmaker’s contributions to national development, particularly his legislative support for infrastructure projects across Nigeria. “This government will not forget him and the motions he has moved in various places. The government of President Ahmed Tinubu, both first and second tenure, will not forget your family. He partakes in that divine calling of the president,” he added.
He also commended the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, HE Barr. Nyesom Wike, CON, for demonstrating solidarity and support to the family during this difficult period. “I want to thank Governor Nyesom Wike; he demonstrated a very high spirit of friendship and commitment to the family. When I saw him lead a delegation to London, I was very touched. It helps me to agree perfectly that while we live, we must live for society. The greatest thing anyone can do is to serve the society,” he noted.
Reflecting on the late senator’s character, Senator Umahi described him as a man of peace, committed to national growth and maintaining cordial relationships across political and social divides. “You will begin to reap the fruit of the great and beautiful things he has done for our country. I want to assure you that he has started a journey for the family. Your husband lived a very good life, he was a very good man, he was committed to the development of this country. He never antagonized anybody. He never said unless you do this, I will never do this. These are the things you will remember and you are consoled,” he said.
Those who accompanied the Minister on the condolence visit included the Minister of State for Works, Barr. Bello Muhammad Goronyo; Senator Onyekachi Nwebonyi; Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Works, Adeladan Rafiu; Sen. Prof. Anthony Ani, Senior Special Assistant to the President on Community Engagement, Barr. Chioma Nweze; as well as Directors and senior officials of the Ministry of Works.
The visit served not only as a show of solidarity with the bereaved family but also as a recognition of Senator Mpigi’s enduring legacy in national development and infrastructure advancement.
