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.