By Tahav Agerzua
Most people who met Richard Terhemen Nongo, as Director of Protocol at the Benue State Government House, in Makurdi, took note of his unique dress code. He was always gorgeously dressed in a unique manner.
As one of his colleagues at the corridors of power I was also always fascinated with how he dressed. On and off duty he was also pleasant company and we usually met. I can testify that as someone so uniquely dressed, Richard was a perfect object of attraction for photographers, including an amateur like me.
When I acquired an iPad, and later, a Samsung Galaxy, with which I took shots he would always ask if my gadget was ever filled and we would laugh. In the course of our constant chats I would ask him questions about some of the special guests he hosted for the state.
Richard, who served in the Protocol Department for over 20 years, sometimes used to narrate stories about some of his guests.
The one I can recall is about General Yakubu Gowon. He said what he liked most about Nigeria’s former military Head of State was that he would always tidy up his room, dress his bed and clean the windows anytime he was given accommodation.
One day we had the joint privilege of interacting with Nobel Laureate, Wole Soyinka. I passed by to have a glimpse of the literary giant at Aper Aku Lodge where he was being hosted. When I got into where the literary giant was seated I heard Richard asking him which drink he would wish to take during dinner. Soyinka replied that Richard should bring ACB. The Director of Protocol sought to know ACB and Soyinka said it was Any Cold Beer. We had a hearty laugh.
The renowned author expressed his wish to be taken round Makurdi town particularly to River Benue where ships used to berth and to the Benue State University to see the site of the proposed Association of Nigerian Authors Secretariat. Richard assigned that responsibility to me and Dr. Charles Iornumbe, Soyinka’s longstanding friend. That evening, I had the privilege of spending several hours with the literary icon and asking him questions.
One day while we waited for Governor Samuel Ortom at an official function, I requested the Director of Protocol to tell me his story and why he always dressed in the manner he did. He obliged and I got the interview I so much cherish.
Richard was also a generous man. When he was appointed acting Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Information, Culture and Tourism, he invited me over. When I did he took me out for lunch and promised to visit us at Asking Radio 98.5 Speed FM to encourage King James Yiye, founder of the station.
He fulfilled that promise and also brought gifts of traditional attires for King James, his wife, Mmemshima and myself.
That day I had the privilege of picking him from his house at Kwararafa Quarters and driving to NUJ House, Ankpa Road where Victor Ahua, known as Jahfas in entertainment circles, was waiting for us. That was the day he visited the SPY Centre, seat of Asking Radio and thereafter, had a brief stopover at the 2024 Benue State University Matriculation.
The event was held on Friday, 23rd August, 2024. It was my last interaction with Benue’s gorgeous public servant.
Richard Terhemen Nongo passed on November 24, 2024.
He will be laid to rest today, 17th December, 2024 at Tse Pila Gbabua, Yandev, Gboko local government area of Benue State.
An interview which he granted about his life and public service career, including his unique dress style will be unveiled at his funeral and subsequently put on the social media.
Farewell, Richard Nongo, Benue’s gorgeous public servant.
