By Ahmed Ubandoma, Lafia
The passing of Senator Solomon Aku Ewuga marks the end of an era — the departure of one of Nasarawa State’s most distinguished son, a leader whose vision, intellect, and unwavering commitment to service defined decades of public life. His death is not just a personal loss to his family and friends, but to an entire state that once glimpsed, through his example, what true leadership could be.
My first encounter with late Senator Ewuga was in 2012 as a young reporter working with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abuja in company of my colleague Mattins Abochol. It was a morning assignment set to interview the deceased on the state of the nation. It was an insightful interview which later goes into advising us as young reporters on ways to promote peace and unity in our reportage. I read countless stories about Ewuga, but seeing him in person was different.
Born with a rare blend of intellect and compassion, Senator Ewuga stood out early in life as a man driven by purpose and excellence. His career, spanning the public service, politics, and diplomacy, reflected his deep belief in the transformative power of leadership rooted in integrity and competence. As a former Deputy Governor of Nasarawa State, Senator, and later Minister of State for the Federal Capital Territory, he carried out his duties with uncommon diligence and grace — proving time and again that leadership is not about privilege, but about service.
Senator Ewuga was a man of ideas and ideals. His understanding of governance was holistic — blending policy acumen with a human touch that made him beloved by both the elite and the ordinary people. He possessed a calm demeanour that belied his fierce intellect and a capacity for strategic thinking that set him apart in every political gathering.
To many in Nasarawa, Solomon Ewuga represented what could have been — a Governor who never was, yet one who could have rewritten the story of the state. His administrative experience, political maturity, and broad-mindedness placed him in a unique position to lead Nasarawa into an era of inclusive growth, unity, and prosperity. In him, the people saw a bridge between generations, ethnic divides, and political tendencies. He embodied the kind of leadership that transcends ambition — one anchored in selflessness and vision.
Beyond politics, Senator Ewuga was an intellectual and a gentleman. His eloquence, both in speech and in thought, was matched by a deep spiritual and cultural awareness. He respected tradition while embracing progress. His leadership style was not loud but effective; not self-seeking but people-centered. He was, in every sense, a mentor and model for younger generations of leaders in Nasarawa and beyond.
In mourning him, we celebrate a life that left indelible footprints on the sands of time. His contributions to the political and socio-economic development of Nasarawa and Nigeria at large will remain a lasting legacy.
Senator Solomon Aku Ewuga may be gone, but his ideals live on — in the hearts of those he inspired, in the lives he touched, and in the dreams of a better Nasarawa that he so passionately championed. May his noble soul rest in perfect peace.