Robert Abubakar Ewa, the Cross River State Commissioner for Arts and Culture, passed away on the evening of Wednesday, January 8, 2025, at the age of 61. Ewa reportedly died at a private health facility in Calabar shortly after complaining of a headache.
Nsa Gill, Chief Press Secretary to Governor Bassey Otu, confirmed Ewa’s death on Thursday. Gill revealed that the commissioner had attended a state executive council meeting earlier that day, during which he actively participated and made contributions.
“A few minutes after excusing himself from the meeting, he was driven to a clinic by his driver. We later received the shocking news that he had passed away at the hospital,” Gill said, adding that the governor was deeply saddened by the development and that an official statement would be released.
A Life of Service
Before his appointment as Commissioner for Arts and Culture, Robert Ewa held several public service roles, including serving as Secretary and later Chairman of Boki Local Government Area (LGA). He was also a Special Adviser on Community Relations and Secretary of the Anti-Deforestation Task Force.
Another Loss in Public Service
Ewa’s passing comes just days after the death of Elizabeth Bidei, Bayelsa State Commissioner for Women Affairs, on December 31, 2024.
The Bayelsa State government, in a statement by Commissioner for Information Ebiuwou Koku-Obiyai, expressed profound sympathy with Bidei’s family, highlighting her contributions to the welfare and empowerment of women in the state.
“Our prayers are with her loved ones during this difficult time. Mrs. Bidei’s life and work had a significant impact on our state and its people. She will be dearly missed as a dedicated public servant and advocate for women’s rights,” the statement read.
Mourning a Legacy
The deaths of both Ewa and Bidei have left their respective states in mourning, with tributes pouring in to honor their contributions to public service and community development.
