By MOHAMMED AUWAL ATOSE
The bell tolls for a man whose name once stirred echoes in the chambers of power, in the courtrooms of justice, in the media corridors of public discourse and in the humble hearts of his people. Distinguished Senator Solomon Ewuga has departed this earthly stage, leaving behind not just memories, but a monumental legacy etched in the soul of Nasarawa State, the Eggon nation and, indeed, Nigeria.
His passing is not merely the fall of a mortal. It is the dimming of a light that guided many and the silencing of a voice that spoke with courage, wisdom and faith in humanity. To say, “Adieu Solomon Ewuga” is to acknowledge not only the end of a chapter but also the enduring power of the story of a septuagenarian whose years, though finite, carried the weight of greatness.
Early glimpses of leadership
From the onset, Ewuga’s path was destined to be one of influence and service. Born into Eggon ancestry, he grew up not just as a son of his community but as a symbol of its hopes and resilience. His formative years showed signs of brilliance, confidence and an unusual ability to inspire.
At the University of Jos (then Jos Campus of the University of Ibadan), where he served as Assistant Secretary General of the Student Union Government in 1973–1974, he stood tall among peers, earning respect for his intellect and leadership.
These early encounters with responsibility became the foundation of an illustrious career spanning law, media, politics, public administration and business. The young man who once debated policy in the halls of a university became the elder statesman who influenced policies at the highest levels of government.
A voice in media, public service
Before politics beckoned, Solomon Ewuga was a voice—literally—for his generation. As Programme Officer and later Head of Current Affairs at Plateau Broadcasting Service (then part of the Nigerian Broadcasting Corporation) between 1978 and 1982, he played a crucial role in shaping public opinion.
His membership in the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) and his service as State Publicity Secretary of the National Party of Nigeria (NPN) in Plateau State (1982–1983) illustrated how seamlessly he wove together journalism and politics.
Ewuga’s administrative career saw him at the helm of major institutions: General Manager of Plateau Publishing Company (1988), General Manager (Compliance) at the Nigeria Social Insurance Trust Fund (1992–1995) and later Special Assistant to the Minister of Labour and Productivity in 1995. In each role, he demonstrated integrity and competence, proving that service to the people could be carried out with dedication and efficiency.
A political trailblazer
It was, however, in politics that Solomon Ewuga’s name resonated most profoundly. He broke new ground for his alma mater, Vom Old Boys Association (VOBA), becoming:
The first VOBA member elected Deputy Governor of Nasarawa State in 1999.
The first VOBA member appointed Minister of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, serving as Minister of State for the Federal Capital Territory (1999–2001).
The first VOBA member elected Senator of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, representing Nasarawa North District (2012–2015).
These ‘firsts’ symbolised a trailblazer, a man who opened doors for others and lifted VOBA to national prominence. Even as Minister of State for FCT, he remembered his roots, ensuring that CSJ Vom was fenced—a practical legacy of loyalty to the institution that shaped him.
Though his four attempts at the governorship of Nasarawa State (1998, 2007, 2014, 2018) did not yield the ultimate prize, history records him as the best governor Nasarawa never had. His clarity of thought, inclusiveness in politics and vision for a united Nasarawa remain unmatched.
Law, business, community
Beyond politics, Ewuga’s training in law earned him a respected place in the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA). Through his firm, Solomon Ewuga & Associates, he mentored younger lawyers and upheld the principles of justice.
In business, he excelled as Managing Director and Chairman of Adpure Ltd and later as Chairman & CEO of Dilimi Investments Ltd. He also earned recognition as a Fellow of the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR) and a member of the Registered Advertising Practitioners Council of Nigeria (RPA). His ventures combined professionalism with institution-building.
A loyal son of VOBA, Ewuga’s contributions spanned decades—from co-founding the Jos Chapter in 1979, serving as National PRO (1979–1981), to receiving the VOBA National Service Award in 2002.
To the Eggon people, he was more than a politician. He was an identity. He championed unity and advocated fairness, insisting that every community in Nasarawa deserved the opportunity to realise its political ambitions.
A patriot remembered
History may deny him the title of Governor. But, in truth, Ewuga governed in the hearts of his people. His life was one of inclusiveness, humility and vision. He was as approachable in village courtyards as he was influential in the Senate chambers.
As Minister of State for FCT, he helped shape Abuja in its formative years. As senator, his contributions carried national weight. His was not the voice of partisanship but of reason, justice and unity.
Today, the Eggon nation mourns. Nasarawa State weeps. Nigeria bows its head. VOBA salutes its fallen trailblazer. His family, friends, associates and countless admirers across the nation feel the void of his absence.
Yet, in our grief, we must rise with pride. For we were blessed to have walked with him, to have been inspired by him and to have witnessed the journey of a man whose life was a compass of excellence.
Adieu, Solomon Ewuga, elder, Distinguished Senator and statesman. The chronicles of your seventy years shall not fade. They belong not only to you but to history, to the Eggon people, to Nasarawa State and to Nigeria.
Go well, patriot. Sleep well, icon. Your race is run. Your crown is won.
Atose is the Madauchin Keana, Nasarawa State