Tears And Tributes: Reps Set To Honour Fallen Heroes In Solemn Valedictory Session

The House of Representatives will dedicate its plenary session on Tuesday to a special valedictory ceremony in honour of members of the 10th Assembly who passed away while in active service.

This was confirmed in a statement issued Monday by the House spokesperson, Akin Rotimi.

According to the notice paper released by the Chairman of the House Committee on Rules and Business, Francis Waive, the session is scheduled to begin at 11 a.m. in the Green Chamber of the National Assembly Complex, Abuja.

Under the leadership of Speaker Tajudeen Abbas, the 10th House has mourned the loss of several lawmakers, including:

• Adewunmi Onanuga, former Deputy Chief Whip representing Ikenne/Sagamu/Remo North (Ogun State), who passed away in January 2025.

• Abdulkadir Danbuga, member for Isa/Sabon Birni (Sokoto State), who died in October 2023.

• Isa Dogonyaro, representing Garki/Babura (Jigawa State), who passed in May 2024.

• Olaide Akinremi, representing Ibadan North (Oyo State), who died in July 2024.

• Ekene Adams, member for Chikun/Kajuru (Kaduna State), who also died in July 2024.

Family members of the deceased lawmakers, alongside other dignitaries, are expected to attend the solemn session.

The commemoration will include tributes, personal reflections, moments of silence, and other parliamentary rites. As outlined in the session agenda shared by the Clerk of the House, Dr. Yahaya Danzaria, tributes will be led by the Speaker and principal officers, followed by contributions from colleagues, party leaders, and invited guests.

“These lawmakers left enduring legacies in the 10th Assembly through their work on motions, bills, oversight, and constituency representation. Their voices shaped legislative debates both in plenary and within committees,” Rotimi stated.

He further emphasized that “the death of a sitting member represents not only a personal loss but also an institutional moment of reflection—highlighting the weight of leadership and the transience of life. It reminds us of the sacred trust Nigerians place in their elected representatives.”