Civil Society Groups, Media Stakeholders Pay Tributes to Late Kogi Humanitarian, Titus Alonge

Civil society organisations and media practitioners in Kogi State on Tuesday paid glowing tributes to the late Child Rights advocaty and community mobilizer, Elder Titus Adekunle Alonge, popularly called Baba Abalagba, describing him as a selfless and humble personality, whose legacy of service will endure.

The tributes were paid during a special remembrance event held in Lokoja, where representatives of various civil society organisations, media bodies and family members gathered to honour the life and contributions of the late Alonge.

Speaking at the event, the Chairperson of the Kogi NGO Network (KONGONET), Hamza Aliyu, described the late philanthropist as a rare gem whose commitment to humanity set him apart.

“On behalf of KONGONET, we deeply condole with the Alonge family and the entire civil society community. We have lost a great man who lived for others,” Aliyu said. “Elder Titus Alonge devoted his life to uplifting the vulnerable and strengthening civic engagement. His values of integrity, compassion and service are virtues Nigerians should emulate.”

Aliyu added that the civil society community would continue to remember and celebrate colleagues who had made remarkable impacts in society. “Once in a while, we must pause to honour our colleagues in the civic space who contributed immensely to social development. Elder Alonge will not be forgotten,” he said.

In the same vein, the immediate past Chairperson of KONGONET and Co-chair Open Government Partnership, Ambassador Idris Muraina Ozovehe, who spoke on behalf of the Open Government Partnership (OGP), said the gathering was a celebration of “a life well lived.”

“This moment should remind all of us to reflect deeply on our own lives,” Ozovehe noted. “We should ask ourselves: what will people say about us when we are gone? Elder Titus Alonge prepared for his departure through his daily service to humanity. He remains our hero, and his legacy will continue to inspire us. May his soul rest in perfect peace.”

Also speaking, Steve Salawu of the National Senior Citizens Centre described the late Alonge as “a beacon of hope for the vulnerable and elderly in society.”

“He stood firmly with those who had no voice,” Salawu said. “Elder Alonge believed strongly that society is judged by how it treats its weakest members. His compassion and generosity touched countless lives. We share in the pain of his family over this irreparable loss.”

The immediate past Chairman of the Correspondents’ Chapel of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Kogi State Council, Friday Idachaba, lauded the late philanthropist for his courage and unwavering commitment to speaking truth to power.

“Elder Alonge was fearless in his advocacy,” Idachaba said. “Through his programmes and engagements, the vulnerable felt a true sense of belonging. He stood for justice and fairness at all times, and he will be greatly missed by the media and civil society community.”

Family members who travelled from far and near to attend the remembrance ceremony described the late Elder Alonge as a loving father, mentor and benefactor who dedicated his life to the service of humanity.

“He lived for others and gave without expecting anything in return,” a family representative said. “Though he is no longer with us, his good works will continue to speak for him.”

Late Elder Titus Adekunle Alonge was born on June 16, 1955, into the family of Pa Obadiah Alonge and Mama Leah Funke Abereoran. He passed on December 5, 2025, and was laid to rest according to Christian rites on December 19, 2025.