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The remains of the late Commissioner for Tourism, Arts, and Culture, Hon. (Chief) Abubakar Robert Ewa, were on Saturday committed to mother earth in his hometown of Wula, Boki Local Government Area.
During the Funeral Mass held at the deceased’s compound in Wula and officiated by St. John the Baptist Parish, Governor Bassey Otu paid tribute to the late commissioner, describing him as a dedicated public servant who served with distinction as a member of the Cross River State Executive Council.
Represented by his deputy, Rt. Hon. Peter Odey, Ph.D., Governor Otu recalled Ewa’s invaluable contributions to the development and promotion of the state’s cultural and tourism sectors, as well as his unwavering commitment to the progress of Cross River State.
“As a former Chairman of Boki Local Government Area, he worked tirelessly to improve the lives of his people, earning their admiration and respect. He was a dutiful, easy-going, and fine gentleman whose kindness, leadership, and devotion to public service will not be forgotten,” the Governor remarked.
Governor Otu expressed deep regret over the loss, noting that Ewa’s passing is not only a loss to his family but also to Cross River State and the Boki nation. He urged the family to take pride in the late commissioner’s remarkable achievements and to continue upholding the legacy of excellence he established. The Governor also assured the family of the government’s continued support during this difficult time.
In his condolence message, the Speaker of the Cross River State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Elvert Ayambem, described the late Ewa as a unifier, bridge-builder, and a friend to all.
Similarly, the Commissioner for Local Government Affairs and Chairman of the College of Commissioners, Chief Victor Felix Idem, expressed profound grief on behalf of his colleagues, noting the void left in the State Executive Council. He remembered Ewa as a kindhearted, hardworking, and dependable colleague.
The State Chairman of the All Progressives Party (APC), Alphonsus Eba, Esq., reflected on Ewa’s life, urging the family to find solace in his numerous accomplishments and the widespread friendships he enjoyed across ethnic and religious divide.
Earlier in his homily, Rev. Fr. Ukwa Emmanuel Wonah encouraged people to emulate the late commissioner’s exemplary life, which was characterized by love, dedication to the welfare of his people, and a strong sense of responsibility.
The funeral was attended by top government officials, traditional rulers, and stakeholders in the tourism sector. Among the dignitaries present were Senator Eteng Williams, representing Cross River Central Senatorial District, House of Representatives member for Boki/Ikom Federal Constituency, Hon. Victor Abang, Deputy Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Hon. Sylvester Agabi, Secretary to the State Government, Prof. Anthony Owan-Enoh, Chief of Staff to the Governor, Hon. Emmanuel Ironbar, and Ntufam Fidelis Ugbo, Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the UNICROSS Governing Council.
Other included members of the State House of Assembly, local government council chairmen, State Executive Council members, former House of Representatives member Rt. Hon. Legor Idagbo, former Chief of Staff, Hon. Dr. Martins Orim, Chief Peter Ojie, and State Executive Committee members of the APC, among others.
Fred Abua, Esq
Press Secretary to the Deputy Governor
