*** Prime Minister Hon. Peter O'Neill pays homage to late Nilkare ****

Prime Minister Hon. Peter O’Neill yesterday paid homage to the late John Mua Nilkare and described him as one of the leaders that laid the foundation for the development of Papua New Guinea.

Prime Minister Hon. Peter O’Neill specifically credited the late Simbu leader for laying the foundation for the provincial and local level government reforms which was intended to bring government services and government presence closer to the rural majority of Papua New Guinea.

“We are now enjoying the fruits of the foresight of visionary leaders like Mr Nilkare,” the Prime Minister said in part.

Prime Minister Hon. Peter O’Neill credited the late leader for his village service policy under the League for National Advancement party which paved the way for the reforms which the country is country benefitting from.

The late Mr Nilkare’s funeral at the St Mary cathedral at Goroka town in the Eastern highlands capital was attended by the PM’s delegation including Education Minister Nick Kopia Kuman, Commerce and Industry Minister Richard Maru Police minister Robert Atiyafa and Private Enterprises minister Ben Micah. Members of parliament who attended the funeral include Western Highlands Governor Paias Wingti, Sumkar MP Ken Fairweather, Eastern Highlands Governor Julie Soso, Kundiawa Gembogle MP Tobias Kulang, Kainantu MP Johnson Tuke, Jiwaka Governor Dr William Tongamp and Simbu Governor Noah Kool,  Other notable VIPs present to pay their last respects as former colleagues or mates include former Treasurer and Lae MP Bart Philemon, former Wapenamanda MP Masket Iangalio and former Eastern highlands governor Aita Ivarato.

State owned enterprises CEO and departmental heads that also attended the funeral include National Housing Corporation Managing Director John Dege, Eda Ranu CEO Henry Mokono and Motor Vehicle Insurance Ltd Managing Director Joe Wemin.

In one of the most orderly unreal processions which ended with a cocktail party at the infamous Bird of Paradise Hotel, the late Nilkare’s eldest son Robert said there was no need to be stressed out as his dad always loved a beer with his mates after a hard day.

Mr Nilkare’s casket will be flown to his home province of Simbu today where another program will take precedence.

Former MVIL CEO Dr John Mua recounted how the late Nilkare will attend to his Kia tribesman in one room and entering the next, he would discuss business with guys like Fairweather in top notch English. 

“John Nilkare will never be replaced,” he said. NHC Managing Director John Dege who was one of Nilkare’s adopted sons said he would have been a village councilor or truck driver if it hadn’t been for Nilkare. “He sent me to school in New Zealand and he made me what I am today,” Mr Dege said.