At a time when Benue North East Senatorial District, and indeed Nigeria yearns for and requires transformative leadership, Hon. Fidelis Msughter Unongo emerges as a refined voice of integrity, innovation, and inclusive development. His life is a compelling story of purpose, preparation, and people-centered progress; a story that speaks directly to the hopes of Benue North East Senatorial District and the entire Benue State.
Fidelis Msughter is the proud son of the late Wantaregh Paul Iyorpuu Unongo, one of Nigeria’s most distinguished elder statesmen, former Minister of Power and Steel, Second Republic political icon, founding member of the political parties that brought Nigeria to her present political democratic maturity, and a towering voice in the Northern Elders Forum.
Paul Unongo was more than a politician. He was a moral compass in turbulent times, a bridge between the old and the new, a relentless advocate for the unity of Nigeria, and a global ambassador of Tiv heritage. In the heat of national crises, Unongo’s voice resonated with courage and clarity. He fought for Nigeria’s democracy during its most fragile moments, stood firmly for justice in the face of political pressure, and worked tirelessly to ensure that the North, and indeed Benue, had a respected seat at the national table.
His unwavering support for the people of Benue cemented him as one of the greatest sons of the soil.
Today, that rich legacy calls for continuity. Hon. Fidelis Unongo carries his father’s vision, discipline, and love for Nigeria in his veins. His own record of service spanning across governance, grassroots empowerment, and national policy influence proves he is not merely Paul Unongo’s son by blood, but by character and conviction.
Supporting him is not just about electing another senator; it is about preserving a national legacy and ensuring that the ideals Paul Unongo fought for: unity, equity, development, and the dignity of the Benue people live on through a new generation of leadership.
It is against this background that all leaders of thought, elder statesmen, business icons, the political class, and patriotic Nigerians across party lines are enjoined to rally behind Hon. Fidelis Unongo so that the flame of service, unity, and progress ignited by Wantaregh Paul Unongo will not be extinguished but will burn brighter for Benue, for the North, and for Nigeria.
Born and raised with the values of service and excellence deeply rooted in his heart, Hon. Unongo has grown into one of the most distinguished public administrators of his generation. He currently serves as Special Adviser to the Executive Governor of Benue State on Special Duties and Intergovernmental Affairs, where he coordinates strategic engagements between the state, federal, international, and development-focused organisations.
However, Fidelis Unongo’s story does not begin in the corridors of power. It begins with the community, with the people, and with a burning desire to uplift the ordinary citizen. Whether advocating for grassroots governance or championing job creation, Hon. Fidelis Unongo has always placed the people at the centre of his work.
Educated in the fields of International Relations (B.Sc); and Peace and Conflict Resolution (M.Sc), Hon. Unongo is not just well-read—he is well-rounded. He has undergone specialised executive training in project management, public policy, digital governance, and media communication, positioning him as a 21st-century leader with the tools and temperament to solve real-world problems.
A Fellow of the Institute of Chartered Administration in Nigeria (FCAI), his administrative excellence is not just recognised; it is certified. He is a man who blends intellectual rigor with street-level pragmatism, capable of understanding policy in the boardroom and people’s needs in the marketplace.
Hon. Fidelis Unongo’s record speaks volumes; measured not just in speeches, but in results. He was instrumental in organising the National Agricultural and Mechanisation Summit, the MSMEs Clinic, and the Transforming Nigerian Youth Program, which brought national focus and economic opportunity to Benue.
He influenced the Mastercard Foundation Business Development Programme, empowering over 2,000 women in enterprise and entrepreneurship. He pioneered the Benue Fashion Hub, a world-class youth empowerment initiative projected to create over 48,000 direct and indirect jobs annually.
The Unongo Jnr. serves on the Federal Government’s Yam Export Technical Committee, ensuring Benue’s famed agricultural potential contributes to Nigeria’s non-oil export revenue.
As Chairman of the Advisers Forum, he harmonises the efforts of political advisers, streamlining government operations for efficient service delivery across Benue state. And these are not abstract accomplishments; they are proof that Hon. Unongo does not wait for the future to happen. He builds it.
In 2019, Fidelis Msughter Unongo offered himself to serve the people of Kwande East in the Benue State House of Assembly. Though he did not clinch the seat, his campaign set a new standard in community engagement, issue-based debate, and youth mobilization. That campaign remains a reference point for what modern, respectful, and development-driven politics should look like.
What makes Hon. Unongo unique is his deep connection with the grassroots. He knows the roads of Adikpo, the farms of Ushongo, the marketplaces of Vandeikya, and the aspirations of young people from Jechira to Kwande, and the dream of Sankera. He listens, learns, and leads.
As the people of Benue North East Senatorial District look forward to a future of better roads, stronger institutions, agricultural revival, job creation, quality education, and responsible representation, they deserve a leader who combines experience with energy, vision with values, and access with action. His public service so far has not been about self, but about service. It has not been about politics, but about purpose. And it has not been about titles, but about transformation. Every community he has touched, every program he has driven, and every policy he has influenced has one thing in common: people first.
Hon. Fidelis Msughter Unongo represents a rare blend of vision, humility, competence, and courage. He is not just ready to serve; he has been serving. Now, he seeks a broader platform to continue his life’s work: building a prosperous, peaceful, and progressive Benue where every citizen has a voice, a purpose, and a place.
For Benue North East Senatorial District, this is not just another election. It is a defining moment to choose a path of dignity, innovation, and sustainable development. That path is clear. That name is known.
Hon. Fidelis Msughter Unongo, FCAI is your son, your servant, your senator-in-waiting.