By Krestnews
Lafia, the Nasarawa State capital, was on Thursday, December 15, 2026, enveloped in deep emotions as family members, friends, political associates and admirers gathered for a Night of Tributes in honour of the late Senator Godiya Akwashiki, who represented Nasarawa North Senatorial District at the National Assembly.
The tribute night, organised by the Social Democratic Party (SDP), under whose platform the late senator last served, brought together top political figures, party leaders, traditional rulers and stakeholders from across Nigeria to celebrate a life defined by service, integrity and uncommon dedication to humanity.
Senator Akwashiki passed on at the age of 52 after a protracted illness at a hospital in India, leaving behind a legacy of impactful leadership and a trail of unfulfilled dreams aimed at transforming politics and improving lives in Nasarawa State and Nigeria at large.
The evening was marked by tears, sober reflections and glowing tributes as speakers took turns to recount his political journey, legislative accomplishments and humanitarian interventions that endeared him to constituents across Nasarawa North.
Born in Angba Iggah, a suburb of Nasarawa Eggon Local Government Area, Senator Akwashiki’s political career began with his election into the Nasarawa State House of Assembly, where he served with distinction, rising to the positions of Majority Leader and later Deputy Speaker on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
He later joined the All Progressives Congress (APC), under which he was elected Senator in 2019. In 2023, following the party’s inability to guarantee him the ticket, Akwashiki defected to the Social Democratic Party (SDP) and was re-elected, buoyed by his impressive record of constituency projects and human capital development initiatives.
During his tenure in the Senate, Akwashiki chaired the Senate Committee on Air Force and Inter-Parliamentary Affairs and also served as Vice Chairman of the Committee on Media and Public Affairs.
At the tribute night organised by the SDP National Working Committee (NWC), the party described him as a symbol of principled leadership, integrity and selfless service.
Speaking at the event, SDP National Chairman, Professor Sadiq Gombe, described the late senator as a “shining star” whose death represents a monumental loss to his family, the party and the nation.
According to Gombe, Senator Akwashiki lived a life anchored on honour, compassion and the fear of God, earning admiration across political, ethnic and religious divides.
He revealed that shortly before his passing, the senator had expressed concern that his deteriorating health might affect his capacity to effectively represent his constituents and had contemplated stepping aside in the interest of quality representation.
Gombe described the gesture as a rare demonstration of courage, responsibility and patriotism.
“True leadership is measured by legacy, not by titles or years. Senator Akwashiki’s legacy speaks for itself,” he said, while offering prayers for Allah’s forgiveness and strength for the bereaved family.
Other speakers, including Senator Suleiman Adokwe, Nasarawa State Deputy Governor, Dr. Emmanuel Akabe, SDP leaders and traditional rulers, recalled Akwashiki’s commitment to dialogue, integrity and grassroots development.
They described him as one of the most effective lawmakers produced by Nasarawa State since 1999, noting his benevolence and impactful constituency projects across Nasarawa North.
The programme concluded with prayers for peace, unity and progress in Nasarawa State and Nigeria.
Krestnews reports that Senator Godiya Akwashiki will be laid to rest on Friday, January 16, 2026, at his residence in Project Quarters Area, Lafia, after a funeral Mass at Fatimah Catholic Church, Lafia.
Follow: www.krestnews.com