By Suleiman Abubakar Rimi Uku Lafia
Barr. Solomon Sunday Akku Ewuga, a distinguished lawyer, politician, administrator, journalist and businessman, will be remembered as one of Nasarawa State’s most influential figures.
Born on June 19, 1955, in Nasarawa Eggon, the late senator hailed from the Eggon ethnic nationality and from an early age displayed a passion for knowledge, communication and leadership.
Education and Early Career
Ewuga attended St. Joseph’s College and St. Louis College, Akwanga and Jos for his secondary education. He earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Political Science from the University of Ibadan (Jos Campus) and later a Postgraduate Diploma in Mass Communication from Stockholm University, Sweden.
He went on to obtain a Bachelor of Laws (LL.B) from the University of Jos and was called to the Nigerian Bar in 1988 as a Barrister and Solicitor of the Supreme Court of Nigeria.
His career began as a teacher at the Northern Annang Community College in the old Cross River State between 1977 and 1978.
He then joined the Nigerian Broadcasting Corporation (later Plateau Broadcasting Corporation), Jos, rising to become Head of Current Affairs.
In 1982, Ewuga ventured into advertising, founding Adpure Nigeria Limited, one of the first indigenous advertising agencies in Northern Nigeria.
He later served as General Manager of Plateau Publishing Company, Jos, publishers of the Nigeria Standard newspaper.
Between 1989 and 1992, he worked as Special Assistant to the Chairman of the Technical Committee on Privatization and Commercialization (TCPC), contributing to Nigeria’s economic reforms.
He also served as General Manager (Compliance) of the Nigeria Provident Fund (later NSITF) and in 1995 as Special Assistant to the Minister of Labour and Productivity.
After being called to the Bar, Ewuga founded Solomon Ewuga & Associates, combining legal practice with business as Chairman of Dilimi Investments Ltd and CEO of Adpure Ltd.
Political Journey
A household name in Nasarawa politics, Ewuga was the first elected Deputy Governor of Nasarawa State in May 1999, before his appointment as Minister of State for the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja (1999–2001).
Over the years, he traversed several political parties—NPN, UNCP, PDP, ANPP, CPC and APC, a testament to his adaptability in Nigeria’s ever-changing political landscape.
In 2012, after a prolonged legal and political contest, he was sworn in as Senator representing Nasarawa North Senatorial District, a position he held until 2015.
In the Senate, he was known for his articulate contributions, particularly in the areas of rural development, education, infrastructure and youth empowerment.
He also made several attempts at the governorship of Nasarawa State, cementing his reputation as one of the state’s most formidable political figures.
Achievements and Legacy
Senator Ewuga was a pioneer of indigenous advertising practice in Northern Nigeria, and as Minister of State for the FCT, played key roles in policy formulation and urban development in Abuja.
He attended several international leadership and governance programmes, including privatization training with the World Bank, corporate board effectiveness at Harvard, and governance reform courses in the UK and Sweden, which broadened his global perspective on leadership.
Personal Life
In 1980, Ewuga married Josephine Yop Dokotri, and together they raised a family. Known for his eloquence, intellect and political resilience, he successfully built bridges between business, politics and public service.
Barr. Solomon Sunday Akku Ewuga leaves behind a legacy of resilience, versatility and dedicated service to Nasarawa State and Nigeria, inspiring generations across the Eggon Nation and beyond.
