By Nkechi Eze
The Honourable Minister of Works, David Umahi, on Saturday joined several top political leaders and dignitaries at the burial ceremony of former Chairman of the Senate Committee on Works, Barinada Barry Mpigi, held in Koroma, Tai Local Government Area of Rivers State.
The funeral, which took place on Saturday, April 11, 2026, at the Church of Nigeria Anglican Communion, Koroma Deanery Beth-El Church, drew a large gathering of mourners who came to honour the life and legacy of the late senator, widely regarded as a committed public servant and accomplished lawmaker.
In a statement issued by the Senior Special Assistant on Media to the Minister of Works, Francis Nwaze, the burial ceremony was described as solemn and reflective, as political leaders and associates from across the country gathered to pay their final respects.
Among those present at the ceremony were the President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio; the Deputy President of the Senate, Barau Jibrin; the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike; and former Edo State governor and senator, Adams Oshiomhole, among other dignitaries.
The service was marked by a deeply spiritual atmosphere as clerics, family members, friends, and political associates reflected on the life and service of the late lawmaker.
Delivering the sermon, the Bishop of the Anglican Diocese of Ogoni, Ven. T.S.D. Kagbara, reminded the congregation about the transient nature of life and the importance of living a life devoted to God.
“This place we are is not our everlasting home. In heaven, there is no more hunger, no more death, no more darkness… Jesus will be the light. We have to give our lives to Jesus. All things will pass away but those who do the will of God will live everlasting life,” the bishop said.
The late Mpigi, who served as Chairman of the Senate Committee on Works during his time in the National Assembly, was remembered by many attendees as a dedicated legislator who contributed significantly to infrastructure development and public service in Nigeria.
