‘Solomon Ewuga had a career of commitment, resilience and political versatility’

The late former Minister of State for the FCT, Solomon Sunday Akku Ewuga, has been described as a politician who had the commitment, resilience and political versatility in his decades of public service. Ewuga, who was also a former deputy governor and senator who represented Nasarawa North in the 7th National Assembly, died on Tuesday […]

The late former Minister of State for the FCT, Solomon Sunday Akku Ewuga, has been described as a politician who had the commitment, resilience and political versatility in his decades of public service.

Ewuga, who was also a former deputy governor and senator who represented Nasarawa North in the 7th National Assembly, died on Tuesday at the age of 70 after a prolonged illness.

Beside his stellar service in Nasarawa State, where he was an influential voice of Nasarawa North, his service to the state while deputising former Governor Abdullahi Adamu was also outstanding.

In December 2023, Ewuga was among the prominent politicians who decamped to the All Progressives Congress (APC), ending years of association with the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), underscoring his relevance and adaptability in a dynamic political environment.

Beyond politics, Senator Ewuga was widely respected for his statesmanship and his role in shaping Nasarawa’s political history.

Nasarawa Daily News noted Ewuga’s death as the end of an era for the state and Nigeria’s democratic journey.

The deceased is survived by his family, political associates and admirers who will remember him for his service and leadership

Ewuga was born on June 19, 1955 in Nassarawa Eggon, Nigeria, into the Eggon ethnic nationality of Nasarawa State. From his earliest years, he showed a deep interest in knowledge, communication and leadership.

He began his education at Sum/Ekas Primary School, Alushi before proceeding to St Joseph’s College, Vom, and later, St Louis College, Jos. He gained admission into the University of Ibadan (Jos campus), where he read Political Science, graduating with a Bachelor of Science. His quest for further education took him to Stockholm University in Sweden, where he earned a postgraduate diploma in Mass Communication. Upon returning to Nigeria, he enrolled at the University of Jos, earning a Bachelor of Laws (LL. B). In 1988, he was called to the Nigerian Bar, becoming a barrister and solicitor of the Supreme Court of Nigeria.

Ewuga veered into journalism, advertising, law and public administration after starting as a teacher at the Northern Annang Community College in the old Cross River State (1977–1978).

He joined the Nigerian Broadcasting Corporation (later Plateau Broadcasting Corporation), Jos, where he worked as programme officer and later rose to become the head of current affairs.

In 1982, he ventured into advertising, founding Adpure Nigeria Limited, one of the pioneering indigenous advertising agencies in northern Nigeria.

In 1988, he was appointed the general manager of Plateau Publishing Company, Jos, publishers of the Nigeria Standard newspaper.

Between 1989 and 1992, he served as special assistant to the chairman, Technical Committee on Privatisation and Commercialisation (TCPC), where he contributed to Nigeria’s economic reforms.

He later became the general manager (compliance) of the Nigeria Provident Fund (later NSITF), and in 1995, was appointed special assistant to the minister of labour and productivity.

After being called to the Bar, he established the law firm, Solomon Ewuga & Associates, where he practiced, while continuing to expand his business interests as chairman of Dilimi Investments Ltd and chief executive officer of Adpure Ltd.

He served briefly as the first elected deputy governor of Nasarawa State in May 1999 before being appointed minister of state for the Federal Capital Territory (1999–2001).

Over the years, he remained active in politics, moving across political platforms, including the NPN, UNCP, PDP, ANPP, CPC and APC reflecting his resilience and adaptability in Nigeria’s fluid political environment.

In 2012, after a protracted legal and political battle, he was sworn in as senator representing Nasarawa north, a position he held until 2015. In the Senate, he was known for his articulate contributions, advocacy for rural development and emphasis on education, infrastructure and empowerment programmes.

He also made several attempts at the governorship of Nasarawa State, cementing his place as one of the state’s most influential political figures.

He pioneered indigenous advertising practice in northern Nigeria through Adpure Ltd.

As minister of state for the FCT, he played key roles in policy formulation and urban development in Abuja.

In the Senate, he championed issues of electrification, health care, water supply and youth empowerment in his constituency.

As a lawyer, he mentored young professionals and combined legal practice with political engagement.

He attended several international courses, including on privatisation (World Bank), corporate board effectiveness (Harvard) and governance reform programmes in the UK and Sweden, which shaped his global perspective on leadership.

Senator Ewuga married Josephine Yop Dokotri in 1980, and together, they raised a family while he built a life of service. Known for his eloquence, intellect and political resilience, he remained a bridge between business, politics and public service.

Solomon Sunday Akku Ewuga is remembered as a lawyer, politician, administrator, journalist and businessman who dedicated his life to the service of Nasarawa State and Nigeria. His journey reflects resilience, versatility and an unshakable commitment to leadership. He left footprints in journalism, advertising, politics and law, influencing generations in the Eggon nation and beyond.