In the past year, the Nigerian National Assembly has been deeply affected by the loss of four of its esteemed members: Isa Dogonyaro, Ekene Adams, Musiliudeen Akinremi, and Senator Ifeanyi Ubah. Their deaths have left a significant void in the legislative body and profoundly impacted the lives of their constituents.
## Isa Dogonyaro
Isa Dogonyaro, a dedicated member of the House of Representatives, passed away on May 10, 2024, in Abuja after an undisclosed illness. Dogonyaro represented the Garki/Babura Federal Constituency of Jigawa State under the All Progressives Congress (APC) platform. His political journey was marked by resilience and determination; he was declared the lawful APC candidate for the House of Representatives in the 2023 general election after a court ruling in his favor. Until his passing, Dogonyaro served as the deputy chairperson of the House Committee on HIV/AIDS, Tuberculosis, and Malaria Control. His work in this committee demonstrated his commitment to public health and his dedication to addressing some of Nigeria's most pressing health issues.
## Ekene Adams
Ekene Adams, a vibrant member of the House of Representatives representing Chikun/Kajuru Federal Constituency of Kaduna State, passed away on July 16, 2024, at the young age of 39 after battling ill health. Adams was a member of the Labour Party and served as the chairman of the House Committee on Sports. His career before politics was deeply rooted in the sports sector; he was the general manager of Kada City Football Club in Kaduna State and Remo Stars in Ogun State at different times. Adams was known for his passion for sports and his efforts to develop young talent. His death was announced in a statement by House spokesman Akin Rotimi, who described him as “a dedicated public servant, passionate sports administrator, and kind philanthropist.” The National Chairman of the Labour Party, Julius Abure, also expressed his shock and sorrow at Adams' untimely passing.
## Musiliudeen Akinremi
In July, the National Assembly also mourned the loss of Musiliudeen Akinremi, a two-term member of the House of Representatives who represented Ibadan North Federal Constituency of Oyo State. Akinremi, affectionately known as Jagaban, died at 51 after a brief illness. He served as the Chairman of the House Committee on Science Research Institutions, showcasing his dedication to advancing scientific research and development in Nigeria. Akinremi was a member of the APC and was first elected in 2019, successfully winning re-election in 2023. His leadership and vision for his constituency and the nation will be sorely missed.
## Senator Ifeanyi Ubah
The National Assembly was thrown into mourning on Saturday with the death of Senator Ifeanyi Ubah, who represented Anambra South. Ubah, the Chief Executive Officer of Capital Oil, passed away in London, United Kingdom. He would have turned 53 on September 3. Senate spokesperson Yemi Adaramodu confirmed Ubah’s death. Ubah was a prominent figure in Nigerian business and politics. He founded The Authority, a Nigerian daily newspaper, and Ifeanyi Ubah FC, a football club in the Nigeria Premier League. He also established the Ifeanyi Ubah Foundation, which focused on various philanthropic efforts. In 2014, Ubah ran for the Anambra governorship election on the Labour Party platform but was unsuccessful. On February 24, 2019, Ubah was declared the winner of the Anambra South Senatorial elections under the Young Progressive Party before defecting to the APC. He was married to Uchenna Ubah, a Business Administration graduate of Ahmadu Bello University, with whom he had five children. Ubah's contributions to both the business world and the political landscape of Nigeria were immense and far-reaching.
---
These members' contributions to the National Assembly and their dedication to their respective constituencies and Nigeria as a whole will be remembered. Their deaths serve as a reminder of the fragility of life and the importance of continuing their legacy of service and commitment to the betterment of society.
