Former Nasarawa State deputy governor Solomon Ewuga has died at the age of 70, family and political associates confirmed Saturday.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

Ewuga, a veteran politician, administrator, and community leader, died late Friday after a brief illness, according to people close to his family. His death has drawn tributes from leaders across Nigeria, who praised his decades of service to the state and the nation.

A career in politics and public service

Ewuga was a prominent figure in Nasarawa State politics for more than three decades. He served as the state’s deputy governor from 1999 to 2003 under the administration of Governor Abdullahi Adamu, who is now a senator.

Before his time as deputy governor, Ewuga had held key appointments at the state and federal levels. He served as the Minister of State for the Federal Capital Territory and was a member of the National Assembly, representing Nasarawa North in the Senate.

Colleagues described him as a man of vision and calm leadership who played an important role in stabilizing the young state after its creation in 1996.

Political influence and community impact

Beyond his official positions, Ewuga was seen as a power broker in Nasarawa politics. He was respected for building bridges across party lines and for mentoring younger politicians.

“He was a man who believed in dialogue and inclusiveness,” said Musa Ibrahim, a Nasarawa-based political analyst. “At a time when politics in the state was often tense, Ewuga worked to ease divisions and promote unity.”

Ewuga also played a role in his community as a traditional titleholder. He was recognized for supporting local development initiatives, including education, health, and youth empowerment programs.

Reactions to his passing

News of Ewuga’s death spread quickly across Nasarawa and beyond. Messages of condolence poured in from political leaders, colleagues, and citizens.

Governor Abdullahi Sule of Nasarawa State described Ewuga’s passing as “a great loss to our state and to Nigeria.” He said Ewuga’s contributions to the growth of Nasarawa would not be forgotten.

Former Governor Adamu, under whom Ewuga served, also paid tribute. “Solomon Ewuga was not just my deputy but a trusted partner in leadership. His wisdom and loyalty helped lay the foundation for the success of our administration,” Adamu said in a statement.

National recognition

At the national level, Ewuga’s work in the Federal Capital Territory earned him recognition. As minister of state, he was involved in policies that shaped Abuja’s expansion in the early 2000s.

The ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) and the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) both issued condolences, highlighting his ability to work across political lines.

“Ewuga’s politics was never about division. He was always willing to listen and to find common ground,” the PDP said.

Legacy and next steps

Ewuga’s death marks the end of a long career in service. He is survived by his wife, children, and grandchildren. Funeral arrangements are expected to be announced by the family in the coming days.

Analysts say his passing will leave a gap in Nasarawa’s political landscape, where he often played the role of elder statesman and mediator.

“His voice was one of reason in times of political conflict,” said Ibrahim, the analyst. “It will not be easy to replace his role as a unifying figure.”

As the state prepares to honor him, many citizens remember him not only as a politician but as a teacher, mentor, and father figure to younger generations.

Ewuga’s legacy, they say, will continue through the institutions he supported and the leaders he inspired.