PRESIDENT Samia Suluhu Hassan yesterday led thousands of mourners in paying last respects to former National Assembly Speaker Job Ndugai.

In a solemn ceremony bringing together leaders from across the political and religious spectrum, the president saying the country will always cherish his deeds, described the late parliamentary leader as a person whose leadership, humility and dedication has left a mark on Tanzania’s democracy and development.

He will be remembered as a politician who was committed to youth development as he championed establishment of Bunge Girls Secondary School in Dodoma, among other initiatives, she said, underlining his dedication to promoting the girl child.

During his time as Speaker, the legislature formed a number of vital committees to advise the government on minerals and deep sea fishing among other development matters, she stated.

Vice President Dr. Philip Mpango described the loss as a tragedy for the nation, recalling having first met the late Speaker when he was appointed Minister for Finance, entering Parliament for the first time with little political experience.

The late Speaker mentored him during sessions of relevant parliamentary committees, guiding him to navigate the complexities of legislative demands, he said, highlighting Ndugai’s journey from humble beginnings to high legislative vocation as proof that poverty should never be a barrier to achievement.

“He always encouraged people to work hard and never use poverty as an excuse to avoid aiming for success,” he said, pointing at the late legislator’s humorous side that lightened the workplace and fostered camaraderie.

Speaker Dr Tulia Ackson, said her predecessor at the post was an innovative leader who brought a lot of changes in legislative operations. “New members of Parliament saw him as a teacher and those who had challenges regarded him as the harbinger of solutions,” she stated.

The Rt. Rev. Dr. Given Gaula, Anglican Bishop of Kondoa Diocese, said at the sermon on Parliament grounds that the deceased had rendered great service to the nation, the community and the church, and his deeds would live on in the hearts of many.

“He was a God-fearing man, humble, loving to his family, and devoted to his church. Let us not tire of doing good for it paves the way for how we will be remembered,” he declared.

Rosemary Senyamule, the regional commissioner cited the late Ndugai’s concern for discipline and dedication in regional advisory committee meetings, noticeably for his role in educational sector improvements across the region.

“He moved from ward to ward in Kongwa to push for transformation in education and actively championed agricultural development for our people,” she said.

Former Speaker Anne Makinda, who worked closely with Ndugai starting from his first term in Parliament in 2000, described him as intelligent, creative and deeply committed to legislative reforms.

She recalled serving together with him on the Natural Resources and Environment standing committee, and then in 2010, MPs elected him deputy speaker, taking up the speaker’s role as the legislature resumed late 2015.

Chief Justice George Masaju recounted working with Ndugai on judicial infrastructure projects, including securing the construction of courts in Kongwa, Kibaigwa and Kondoa areas.

He lauded Ndugai’s passion for justice and fairness, underlining that he leaves a unique mark/ “Every person departs this world leaving behind an imprint that no one else can replicate,” he said, asking the family to cherish and uphold his values.

Born in 1960 in Kongwa District, Job Yustino Ndugai served as a MP for 15 years before becoming Speaker in 2015 for seven years.

He passed away earlier this week in Dodoma after a short illness. His body will be laid to rest in his home village in Kongwa, with the government organising a state funeral today.