Senator Godiya Akwashiki was a Nigerian politician whose career spanned more than two decades at both the state and national levels. Emerging from a rural background in Nassarawa Eggon, he rose to become one of the most prominent lawmakers from Nasarawa North and the first senator from the district to secure two consecutive terms since the state was created. He earned a reputation for strong grassroots presence, tangible constituency projects and a leadership style that consistently prioritized community needs.
Profile Summary
| Full Name | Godiya Akwashiki[1] |
| Date of Birth | 3 August 1973[1] |
| Place of Birth | Angba Iggah, Nassarawa Eggon Local Government Area, Nasarawa State[1] |
| Nationality | Nigerian[1] |
| State of Origin | Nasarawa State[1] |
| Partner | Married (wife’s name not publicly mentioned)[1] |
| Children | Survived by children (exact number not publicly stated)[1] |
| Occupations | Politician, Legislator, Public Administrator[1] |
| Date of Death | 31 December 2025[1] |
Early Life and Educationy
Godiya Akwashiki was born on 3 August 1973 in Angba Iggah, a village in Nassarawa Eggon Local Government Area of Nasarawa State, to Mr. Akwashiki Walaro and Mrs. Ramatu Akwashiki. His upbringing in a farming community deeply influenced his later emphasis on rural development and grassroots politics.[1]
He attended Government Primary School, Angba Iggah, where he obtained his First School Leaving Certificate in 1987. He proceeded to Government Technical College, Assakio, completing his secondary education in 1993, and later furthered his studies at Nasarawa State University, Keffi, where he earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration in 2010.
Career
Akwashiki’s major political journey began in 2011 when he was elected into the Nasarawa State House of Assembly on the platform of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP). During his first term (2011–2015), he served as Majority Leader, and in his second term (2015–2019) he became Deputy Speaker, gaining extensive experience in legislative leadership and parliamentary procedure.
In 2019, he moved to the national stage as senator representing Nasarawa North, initially under the All Progressives Congress (APC). In the Senate, he held strategic roles, including Chairman of the Committee on Inter-Parliamentary Affairs, Vice Chairman of the Committee on Media and Public Affairs, and later Chairman of the Committee on Air Force.
He was re-elected in 2023 on the platform of the Social Democratic Party (SDP), becoming the first senator from Nasarawa North to win back-to-back terms, a sign of his strong personal followership across party lines.
Personal Life
Despite his visibility as a public figure, Akwashiki kept much of his family life away from public attention. He was married and left behind his wife and children, who stayed largely out of the media spotlight while he carried out his political duties.
Among constituents and colleagues, he was often described as humble, accessible and firmly connected to his community, qualities that helped sustain his popularity at the grassroots.
Death
In the latter part of his life, Akwashiki battled a long-term illness, though details about the specific ailment were not disclosed publicly. His health reportedly declined further after his re-election in 2023, leading him to seek medical care in Nigeria and overseas, including in the United Kingdom and India.
He died on 31 December 2025 in a hospital in India at the age of 52, a passing that triggered widespread grief in Nasarawa State and across the Nigerian political landscape.
Legacy
Godiya Akwashiki is remembered as a parliamentarian who blended legislative work with concrete, people-centred development initiatives. As the only senator from Nasarawa North to secure successive terms, he set a new standard for performance and trust in the district.
His visible projects, strong ties to the grassroots and active role in key Senate committees continue to shape perceptions of what effective representation should look like in his constituency and beyond.
