The body of Senator Godiya Akwashiki, representing SDP for Nasarawa North, was laid to rest on Saturday at his residence in Lafia, following a service filled with tributes from relatives, associates, and prominent political leaders.
Akwashiki passed away on December 31, 2025, at the age of 52, due to a long illness at a hospital in India.
He was interred around 1:50 p.m. in his family compound after a funeral Mass at St. William Cathedral in Lafia.
Born in Angba Iggah, within the Nasarawa Eggon Local Government Area of Nasarawa State, the late senator initially entered the Senate in 2019 and was re-elected in 2023.
Before his national role, Akwashiki had a significant career in the Nasarawa State House of Assembly, where he held the positions of Majority Leader and later Deputy Speaker.
During the funeral Mass, the Governor of Nasarawa State, Abdullahi Sule, honored Akwashiki as a devoted leader who devoted his life to the service of both God and humanity.
"We gather here to pay our final respects to Senator Godiya Akwashiki, as his passing serves as a reminder for humility and the importance of loving each other," Sule commented.
The governor prayed for divine comfort for Akwashiki’s family, the Eggon community, and the nation while encouraging citizens to embrace forgiveness for the sake of national progress.
Senator Godswill Akpabio, the Senate President, represented by Deputy Senate President Senator Barau Jibrin, stated that Nigeria has lost a loyal patriot and a dedicated lawmaker.
"We mourn the loss of a brother, friend, and colleague whose contributions to humanity and service to his senatorial district and the country were invaluable," he remarked.
Jibrin offered prayers for divine strength for Akwashiki’s family, Nasarawa North, and the country to withstand this significant loss.
The Speaker of the Nasarawa State House of Assembly, Dr. Danladi Jatau, expressed sorrow over Akwashiki’s death, describing it as a heartbreaking loss to the state and the nation. "The passing of Senator Godiya Akwashiki is painful, yet we must accept that life and death are in God’s hands. Let us pray for the peace of his soul," he stated.
The Aren Eggon, Retired Justice Ahmed Ubangari-Alaku, representing Akwashiki’s family and the Eggon nation, lamented the loss of a son who made a positive influence on many lives nationwide. He prayed for his forgiveness and eternal peace and expressed gratitude to Governor Sule and others for their assistance during the burial arrangements.
In his sermon, the Archbishop of Jos Diocese, Dr. Mathew Ishaya Audu, called on Christians to commit their lives to Jesus Christ and reminded politicians that leadership is a sacred duty, meant to serve the public, not a personal gain. He recognized Akwashiki's significant contributions to the development of the church, society, and humanity, praying for his eternal rest.
The funeral Mass was attended by numerous dignitaries, including Governor Caleb Mutfwang of Plateau, Nasarawa State’s Deputy Governor Dr. Emmanuel Akabe, Senator Tanko Al-Makura, the UBEC Governing Board Chairman, Rep. Jonathan Gaza, and former Minister of Information Mr. Labaran Maku, along with various religious and traditional leaders and both current and past members of the state and National Assembly.
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