The late Senator Godiya Akwashiki, who represented Nasarawa Northern Senatorial District, was buried on Saturday, 17th January 2026, leaving behind a legacy of dedicated public service and legislative impact that touched the lives of the most vulnerable in society.
Tributes flowed from serving and former Speakers of the Nasarawa State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Danladi Jatau, Rt. Hon. Ibrahim Balarabe Abdullahi, and Dr. Musa Ahmed Muhammad, as they remembered him as a resourceful and uncommon legislator whose work set a standard for future politicians.
Akwashiki, who passed away on 31st December 2025 at the age of 52 in an Indian hospital after a prolonged illness, served both at the state and federal levels from 2011 until his demise.
His political career began when he was elected to the Nasarawa State House of Assembly in 2011, becoming Majority Leader in the 4th Assembly under Dr. Musa Ahmed Muhammad and later Deputy Speaker in the 5th Assembly under Rt. Hon. Balarabe Abdullahi.
Speaking at the funeral, Dr. Musa Ahmed described him as “a good product, an uncommon legislator whose inputs at both the State and National Assembly remain a model for upcoming politicians.
” Balarabe Abdullahi recalled Akwashiki as “my trusted Deputy Speaker, a man of honour, integrity, and loyalty, whose presence made any assignment achievable.”
Dr. Danladi Jatau, a colleague in the 4th Assembly, said: “An Iroko Tree has fallen — a painful exit and a great loss to Eggon nation, Nasarawa State, and Nigeria as a whole. He was a patriotic citizen, an outstanding leader, and a true representative of the people.”
During his tenure in the Senate, Akwashiki chaired key committees including Labour and Productivity and was widely recognized for his capital projects and social interventions in rural communities, including road construction, electrification, and empowerment programs. Re-elected in 2023, he was serving in the 10th Senate at the time of his passing.
The late Senator’s contributions have left an indelible mark on his constituents and the state’s legislative history, and he will be remembered for his compassion, hard work, and commitment to the welfare of the people.
