By ONYEJE ABUTU-JOEL

Gov. Hyacinth Alia of Benue has paid tribute to the late Prof. Jonah Isawa Elaigwu, describing him as an illustrious son of the state and a towering figure in Nigeria’s academic community.

Elaigwu, a professor of political science, passed away on July 22 in Jos, Plateau.

He was laid to rest on Friday at the Isawa Memorial Academy, Otukpo Local Government Area, which he founded as part of his legacy in education and knowledge development.

In a condolence message at the funeral service, Alia said the deceased made major contributions to nation-building through teaching, research, and public service.

“We will remember him for his integrity, intellectual brilliance, and commitment to the unity of our nation,” the governor said.

Deputy Governor Sam Ode, represented by the Commissioner for Health and Human Services, Dr. Edeh Ogwuche, said the late scholar left an indelible mark in academia, shaping minds and influencing policies rooted in justice, equity, and altruism.

He said Elaigwu was a distinguished scholar of political science and international relations whose ideas inspired excellence, integrity, and service.

Former Deputy Benue Governor, Mr. Benson Abounu, said the late academic inspired generations of scholars to pursue their dreams.

He recalled his immense contribution to Nigeria’s federal system, especially during the administration of former military President Ibrahim Babangida.

The officiating minister, Archbishop Joshua Ngbede of the Methodist Church, Benue, urged Christians to emulate the virtues of love, forgiveness, and service which the late scholar embodied.

He called on mourners to recommit themselves to peace and national development, describing Elaigwu as a man of integrity and faith.

Students of the Isawa Memorial Academy rendered songs in honour of their late proprietor as his remains were conveyed to the burial ground.

He was interred within the school premises in accordance with his wishes.

Dignitaries at the ceremony included Justice Ejembi Eko (rtd) of the Supreme Court, Air Vice Marshal Monday Morgan (rtd), academics from the University of Jos, and members of the national burial committee led by Prof. Sunday Ochoche.

Earlier, nights of tributes were held in Abuja and Jos, where former Heads of State, Generals Yakubu Gowon, Ibrahim Babangida, and Abdulsalami Abubakar and former Senate Presidents David Mark and Iyorchia Ayu extolled the virtues of the late scholar.

Until his death, Prof. Elaigwu, 77, was President of the Institute of Governance and Social Research (IGSR) and Professor Emeritus of Political Science at the University of Jos.

His daughter, Victoria Elaigwu, described him as an accomplished international scholar who lived a life of hard work, integrity, and compassion.

“He taught us the values of resilience, kindness, and patriotism. His legacy will remain with us forever,” she said.

Born in 1948, Prof. Elaigwu served as a teacher, researcher, and adviser to successive Nigerian governments and was widely recognized for his expertise in federalism, political stability, and democratic governance. (NAN)