The remains of elder statesman and former Federal Permanent Secretary, Fidelis Kaigama, arrived in Jalingo, the capital of Taraba State, on Monday.

The body was received at the Danbaba Suntai Airport, located within the Jalingo metropolis.

Representing the state government, Speaker of the Taraba State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. John Kizito Bonzena described death as an inevitable journey for all mortals and urged the bereaved family to find solace in their faith and the enduring legacy of the deceased.

Following a brief reception ceremony at the airport, the remains were transported to the mortuary at the Federal Medical Centre, Jalingo, pending the final funeral arrangements.

Tributes have continued to pour in from across the country, with prominent figures such as elder statesman Sir Pius Isa Dauda and Taraba State Commissioner for Education, Dr. Augustina Godwin, praising Kaigama’s unwavering dedication to public service. Many described his death as a significant loss to both the state and the nation.

Born in 1940, Kaigama began his career as a classroom teacher and steadily rose through the civil service to become a Federal Permanent Secretary.

In Taraba State, he served as Chairman of the Civil Service Commission and was a respected leader of the PDP Elders Forum.

He passed away in Abuja on June 6, 2025, at the age of 85. He is survived by his wife, children, and extended family.

In a condolence message, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu described Kaigama as a man who mentored many and exemplified the virtues of discipline, compassion, and integrity.

“He shaped minds with wisdom, guided hearts with compassion, and inspired discipline in his workplace. His contributions to national development will be remembered,” the President stated.