Wike announces N500million support fund for late Rivers Senator’s family

FCT Minister, Barr. Nyesom Wike has announced a N500 million support fund for the family of late Senator Barinada Mpigi.

Wike made this known on Thursday at a night of tribute held in Port Harcourt, stressing that political associates must support the family of the late lawmaker beyond paying tributes.

“Forming committees for burial is not enough. We must show clearly that we will not abandon the family he left behind,” he said.

Wike said the fund, raised by the Rivers State Rainbow Coalition, would sustain the legacy of the deceased.

He described late Senator Mpigi as a loyal ally who stood firm and in solidarity with him during difficult political moments.

His words: “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.”

Wike said the intervention would be used to establish a foundation for the family, noting that it would provide long-term support and preserve the legacy of the late senator.

The minister also commended Mpigi’s contributions to the Ogoni people, stating that the late lawmaker played key roles in the establishment of the Federal University of Environment and Technology in Ogoni.

Mpigi, widely regarded as a grassroots mobiliser and committed public servant, died on February 19, 2026.