Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, on Wednesday led tributes to the late Senator Mpigi Barinada Barry, describing him as a principled and courageous leader whose life was defined by service, conviction and commitment to the public good.
At a Night of Tribute held at the Bola Ahmed Tinubu International Conference Centre, Wike said the late lawmaker distinguished himself in a political environment often marked by inconsistency, maintaining clarity of purpose throughout his career.
“I am a politician, and I have seen people say one thing in the morning and change by night. But this was a man whose position was clear and consistent. When he decided on a cause, he pursued it with everything,” Wike said.
He noted that Barry’s dedication to justice and development, particularly for his people, underscored a legacy that would endure beyond his lifetime. Reflecting on the uncertainty of life, Wike urged Nigerians to prioritise impact.
“We do not know when the time will come. What matters is the impact we make while we are here. He lived a life that will be remembered,” he added, assuring that the family of the deceased would not be abandoned.
Also speaking, Minister of Works, Dave Umahi, described the late senator as a man of integrity whose words and actions were aligned, and whose contributions to national development were significant.
“Sometimes politicians say one thing in the morning and another in the evening, but this was a man whose ‘yes’ was yes and whose ‘no’ was no. He was consistent, loyal and deeply committed to any cause he believed in,” Umahi said.
He recalled their collaboration on legislative and infrastructure matters, noting that Barry played key roles in advancing major road projects, including coastal highway initiatives linking critical economic corridors across the country.
“He was a national figure committed to the progress of the entire country. There was no place he did not go to advocate for quality, speed and delivery of projects that would benefit Nigerians,” he stated.
Umahi added that the late lawmaker’s interventions were crucial in resolving complex project challenges and ensuring continuity in key developments.
“He was not driven by personal gain. He was committed to service and to the call of God upon his life,” he said.
The minister expressed regret that Barry would not witness the completion of several projects he championed, including sections of the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway, noting that his legacy would remain embedded in the nation’s infrastructure landscape.
“We will not forget him. We will stand with the family and ensure that his good intentions are realised,” Umahi assured.
In a sermon titled “Death is Not the End,” the Provincial Pastor of the Redeemed Christian Church of God FCT Province 1, Pastor Amos Okemuyiwa, described death as inevitable and urged reflection on life and legacy.
“Death is an appointment that is unavoidable for everyone. It is a leveler; it does not respect status, wealth or position,” he said, stressing that the enduring measure of life lies in one’s deeds.
“The life after death is the memory of the impact you leave behind,” he added.
The event drew government officials, lawmakers and associates, who collectively portrayed the late senator as a bridge-builder and advocate of unity.
Senator Mpigi Barinada Barry is remembered for his contributions to public service and a legacy of integrity and commitment that many said would endure for generations.