Wike announces N500 million support fund for late Mpigi’s family

The minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has unveiled a N500 million support fund by the Rivers State Rainbow Coalition for the family of late Senator Barinada Barry Mpigi to sustain his legacy.
Mr Mpigi, widely regarded as a grassroots mobiliser and committed public servant, died on February 19, 2026.
Announcing the support fund on Thursday at a Night of Tribute held in Port Harcourt, Mr Wike called on political associates to stand firmly by Mr Mpigi’s loved ones.
“Forming committees for burial is not enough. We must show clearly that we will not abandon the family he left behind,” the minister said.
Mr Wike, accompanied by his wife, Justice Eberechi Wike, and other political leaders, described Mr Mpigi as a loyal ally who stood firm during difficult political moments, explaining that his character was most evident in times of adversity.
He recalled how the late senator regularly visited him to demonstrate solidarity during political challenges, pledging unwavering support.
“When we had political challenges, Barry was always coming to my house to show solidarity and commitment. One day, he came very early in the morning, he looked at me and said, master, no matter the situation, I will never leave you,” Mr Wike said.
According to him, the Rivers State Rainbow Coalition will channel the N500 million intervention fund into establishing a foundation to provide long-term support for the family and preserve Mpigi’s legacy.
Political figures across party lines paid tributes, highlighting Mr Mpigi’s contributions to governance and development in Rivers.
Magnus Abe, a former senator, described Mr Mpigi’s impact as enduring, stressing that his contributions to Ogoni land, Rivers State, and Nigeria would not be forgotten.
We have recently deactivated our website's comment provider in favour of other channels of distribution and commentary. We encourage you to join the conversation on our stories via our Facebook, Twitter and other social media pages.
More from Peoples Gazette

Agriculture
FG tasks ECOWAS on leveraging financing strategies for agroecology
The federal government has urged stakeholders in the agriculture and finance sectors in the West Africa region to leverage financing strategies to enhance agroecology practices

Politics
Katsina youths pledge to deliver over 2 million votes to Atiku
“Katsina State is Atiku’s political base because it is his second home.”

Lagos
Lagos council chairman lauds community over voters’ awareness campaign
She said the committee’s efforts on registration, transfer, data correction and PVC validation support the administration’s drive to boost democratic participation in Ojokoro LCDA.

States
Uba Sani compensates residents over road projects
The governor inaugurated the distribution of cheques in Basawa, Sabon Gari Local Government Area, on Friday.

Lagos
Disengaged soldier arraigned for allegedly stealing motorcycle
The magistrate adjourned the case until August 13 for mention.

Agriculture
FG distributes 20,160 bags of fertilisers to Lagos farmers
The initiative is being implemented through the National Agricultural Development Fund (NADF) under the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security.

Heading 1
Oyo School Abduction: FG arraigns three suspects on terrorism charges
The defendants were charged with a 10-count charge of terrorism, kidnapping, concealment, incitement and illegal mining.






