Elder stateman and Second Republic Minister of Steel Development is dead. He reportedly died at a private hospital in Jos, the Plateau State capital in North-Central Nigeria.
A family source who pleaded anominity told AIT.live that the former Minister died at 87 following a brief illness.
Though his family was yet to issue an official statement as at the time of filing this report, sympathisers were already seen gathering at his residence along Jonah Jang Way, popularly known as Airport Road in Jos.
The late Paul Unongo was born on September 26, 1935 in Turan, Kwande Local Government Area of Benue State, North-Central Nigeria. He was the pioneer Secretary General of the defunct Nigerian People’s Party, NPP, and an ally of the country’s first president, the late Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe.
He was appointed Minister of Steel Development by President Shehu Shagari following the accord between his NPP and ruling National Party of Nigeria, NPN. He pioneered the Development of Ajaokuta Steel Plant to launch the country onto path of industrialisation.
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He contested for the presidency of the country in the aborted Third Republic under the Social Democratic Party, SDP. He also contested for the Governorship of Benue State in 2003 under the All Nigeria People’s Party, ANPP.
He was also the Convener and former Chairman of the Northern Elders Forum, NEF.
He was appointed the Chairman of the Governing Board of the Nigerian Educational Research and Development Council, NERDC by President Muhammadu Buhari which was the position he held until his death.
(Editor: Terverr Tyav)
