Lae, Papua New Guinea – About 900 tertiary students under the Gerson Solulu Scholarship Scheme staged a solemn walk of sorrow in Lae to pay tribute to the late Morobe Governor Luther Wenge, a leader widely remembered as a champion of education.
The memorial walk, organized by the Morobe Tertiary Students Union (MTSU), brought together students from the PNG University of Technology (PNGUoT), the National Polytechnic Institute of PNG, and other institutions. Alumni and staff also joined, reflecting the broad impact Wenge’s leadership and scholarship program had on Morobe and the nation.
The procession began at Eriku Oval, passed through Lae Top Town, and ended at the Sir Ignatius Kilage Stadium, where the official Haus Krai (wake) was held. Students wore black and covered themselves in red soil, symbolizing mourning, respect, and unity.
Remembering a Visionary Leader
During the event, student and staff representatives described Wenge as a “fatherly figure,” a “voice of the voiceless,” and a “nation builder.” Many credited him as a visionary leader who prioritized education as the foundation for development.
Wenge, who first established the Gerson Solulu Scholarship Scheme in 2002, saw it implemented in 2004, helping thousands of Morobe students pursue higher education. The initiative aligned with the government’s “leave no child behind” policy, ensuring access to education for disadvantaged students.
Tabitha Wosse, a staff member at PNGUoT, Morobe native, and former scholarship recipient, expressed gratitude on behalf of students and parents. She acknowledged that Wenge’s unwavering support for education transformed lives and contributed to the province’s progress.
Legacy Through Education
Students and alumni emphasized that Wenge’s vision went beyond politics. By investing in education, he laid a foundation for Morobe’s long-term social and economic development. His passing leaves a void, but his legacy lives on through the thousands of scholarship recipients who continue to contribute to Papua New Guinea.