National Federation Party Leader Professor Biman Prasad has paid tribute to the late Minister for Employment, Productivity and Workplace Relations, Hon. Agni Deo Singh, remembering him for his decades of service to teachers, workers, politics and the nation.

Delivering the eulogy at Rishikul Sanatan College today, Professor Prasad described Singh’s passing as a profound loss for his family, colleagues, the trade union movement and the wider country.

Singh passed away on September 12, 2026.

Professor Prasad said Singh had served Fiji in several capacities throughout his life, including as a teacher, trade union leader, Member of Parliament and Cabinet Minister.

Before entering national politics, Singh served as General Secretary of the Fiji Teachers Union for 23 years and spent more than two decades advocating for teachers, workers’ rights, equality and democracy.

Professor Prasad said Singh’s commitment to working people was established long before he entered politics and was shaped by his experiences in classrooms, staffrooms, union meetings and negotiations.

He said Singh carried those experiences with him when he later became Minister for Employment, Productivity and Workplace Relations.

Professor Prasad also highlighted the move towards permanent employment status for civil servants, including teachers, as one of the early decisions during Singh’s time in office.

He said Singh viewed employment security not simply as an administrative matter but as something that provided workers and their families with stability, dignity and the ability to plan for the future.

Reflecting on their time together in politics, Professor Prasad described Singh as a strong and direct individual who was never afraid to express his views.

He said Singh could be stubborn and impatient but these qualities were accompanied by courage, loyalty and a genuine concern for ordinary people.

Professor Prasad said despite the pressures and responsibilities of Government, Singh remained connected to his background as a teacher and trade unionist.

He said Singh would be remembered across Fiji by teachers, workers, trade unionists, civil servants and his colleagues in Parliament and Government.

Professor Prasad said while official records would remember Singh as a teacher, trade union leader, parliamentarian and Cabinet Minister, they could not fully capture the friendships, private conversations, advice and personal relationships he developed throughout his life.

He also extended his condolences and gratitude to Singh’s family for supporting him throughout his years of public service.

“Farewell my friend,” Professor Prasad said as he concluded his eulogy.