The Speaker of the House of Representatives Rt. Hon. Abbas Tajudeen, Ph.D and his deputy Benjamin Kalu has expressed sadness over the death of a member of the House, Hon. Abubakar Adams Ekene.
Hon. Ekene, who represented Chikun/Kajuru Federal Constituency of Kaduna State, passed away on Tuesday morning in Abuja. He was the chairman, House Committee on Sports.
In a condolence message read at a brief plenary session on Tuesday, Speaker Abbas announced Hon. Ekene’s passing with deep sorrow.
“Honourable colleagues, ladies and gentlemen, it is with deep sorrow and a profound sense of loss that I announce the passing of our esteemed colleague, Hon. Ekene Abubakar Adams, who represented the Chikun/Kajuru Federal Constituency in Kaduna State.
“Born in 1985, Hon. Ekene Abubakar Adams was not only a devoted public servant but also a distinguished football administrator and club owner in Nigeria. His remarkable journey from managing Kada City FC, a football club based in Kaduna, to serving in the House of Representatives attest to his versatility and steadfast commitment to the progress of our society.
“Hon. Adams’s tenure in the House was marked by his tireless advocacy for his constituents and his contributions to the development of sports in Nigeria. Recently, he was deeply involved in generating support and funding for Nigerian Olympians at the forthcoming Paris Olympics.
“In fact, the House was meant to receive the Nigerian delegation today before the tragic news of his passing reached us. Hon. Ekene was passionate to the last, demonstrating his dedication to the advancement of sports and the success of our athletes on the global stage. In addition to his public service, Hon. Adams was a loving husband and father. He is survived by his beloved wife and children, who were his greatest sources of strength and inspiration.”
The Speaker regretted that Hon. Ekene’s death came less than a week after the House lost another member, Hon. Olaide Akinremi.
“It is particularly poignant to note that Hon. Adams’s passing comes just days after the loss of another distinguished member, Hon. Prince Olaide Akinremi. These recent events serve as a sobering reminder of the fleeting nature of life and the importance of cherishing each moment we have. As we mourn the loss of these dedicated public servants, let us reflect on their contributions and the legacy they leave behind.
“As we mourn the loss of Hon. Ekene Abubakar Adams, let us also celebrate his life, his achievements, and the lasting impact he has made on his constituency and our country. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family, friends, and all those who had the privilege of knowing him. May his soul rest in eternal peace.”
In line with the House tradition, the lawmakers adjourned sitting to honour the late Hon. Ekene after observing a minute of silence.
Speaker Abbas immediately led a delegation of the House to the Abuja residence of late Hon. Ekene where he condoled with the wife and the parents. Prayers were offered for the repose of the soul of the late lawmaker.
In the delegation were the Deputy Speaker, Rt. Hon. Benjamin Okezie Kalu; House Leader, Hon. Julius Ihonvbere; Minority Leader, Hon. Kingsley Chinda; Deputy Minority Whip, Hon. George Ozodinobi, members of the House from Kaduna State led by their Caucus Leader, Hon. Amos Magaji Gwamna, and several other members from different states.
Similarly, Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt Hon. Benjamin Okezie Kalu has expressed sadness over the death of Kaduna lawmaker, Hon. Ekene Abubakar Adams.
Kalu in a condolence message said Adams was dedicated to delivering the dividends of democracy to his constituents and will be greatly missed in the House.
Condoling his family, constituents, the government and people of Kaduna State, the Deputy Speaker prayed to God to comfort everyone affected by his death and grant them the strength to bear this irreparable loss.
He said, “Deeply saddened by the shocking news of the death of our colleague, Hon. Adams, who served as the House Committee Chairman on Sports, was dedicated to delivering the dividends of democracy to his constituents. He will be greatly missed in the House. My heartfelt prayers to his immediate family, the people of the Chikun/Kajuru Federal Constituency, and Kaduna State as a whole. May God comfort everyone affected by his death and grant them the strength to bear this irreparable loss. During this difficult time in the parliament, I urge all Nigerians to continue to pray for their leaders. May his soul rest in perfect peace.”