Umahi: ‘The Greatest Thing Is to Serve Society’ Works Minister Leads Delegation to Mourn Late Senator Mpigi
By Onwe Wisdom, Pan Afric Reporters
The Honourable Minister of Works, David Umahi has paid a heartfelt condolence visit to the family of the late senator, Barinada Mpigi, describing the deceased lawmaker as a patriotic leader whose life was devoted to national unity and the development of Nigeria.
During the visit, Umahi according to a press statement e-signed by Francis Nwaze, Senior Special Assistant to the Honourable Minister of Works (Media) said the late senator, who served as Chairman of the Senate Committee on Works until his death, played a significant role in supporting infrastructure development across the country through legislative backing and advocacy.
“The greatest thing anyone can do is to serve society,” Umahi said, reflecting on the late lawmaker’s legacy of public service and commitment to national progress.
The Minister noted that Senator Mpigi believed strongly in collective responsibility and national cohesion, emphasizing that development projects across Nigeria must be viewed as shared national priorities rather than regional interests.
“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 Bola Ahmed Tinubu,” Umahi said.
He assured the family that the Federal Government would continue to honour the memory of the late senator and remember his contributions to national development.
According to him, the administration of President Tinubu would not forget the role Senator Mpigi played in advancing infrastructure initiatives and supporting government programmes through the National Assembly.
“This government will not forget him and the motions he moved in various places. The government of President Ahmed Tinubu, both in the first and second tenure, will not forget your family,” the minister said.
Umahi also commended the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyeson Wike for demonstrating solidarity and strong friendship with the bereaved family during the 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 agree perfectly that while we live, we must live for society,” Umahi said.
Reflecting on the personality of the late senator, the Works Minister described him as a peaceful and accommodating leader who maintained cordial relationships across political and social divides.
“He never antagonised anybody. He never said unless you do this, I will never do this. These are the things you will remember and you are consoled,” Umahi said while addressing members of the family.
He encouraged the family to take solace in the legacy the late lawmaker left behind, noting that his contributions to the nation would continue to speak for him.
“You will begin to reap the fruit of the great and beautiful things he has done for our country. Your husband lived a very good life. He was a very good man committed to the development of this country,” he added.
Among those who accompanied the Minister on the condolence visit were the Minister of State for Works, Barrister Bello Muhammad Goronyo; Senator Onyekachi Nwebonyi; the Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Works, Adeladan Rafiu; Senator Prof. Anthony Ani; the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Community Engagement, Barrister Chioma Nweze; as well as directors and senior officials of the Ministry of Works.
