By Okwori Mary
OGOJA (CONVERSEER) – The news of your passing, Uncle Solo (Ogar Solomon Ogar), has struck like a cold wind at dawn, too early, too sudden, too final.
In the heart of Cross River State, the media world has lost one of its brightest voices and our communities have lost a tireless champion.
You were more than just the CEO of Solomon Islands. You were a media icon, always available, always ready to give a face, a voice and a spotlight to public and community issues that need visibility and urgent intervention. Your platform was not just about news but it was about impact and social change.
Our paths crossed in 2016/2017 when I reached out to you, seeking help for my secondary school mate, Otogor Matthew Agada, whose sore leg seemed incurable then. I took the pictures, crafted the narrative and you aired it on your handle. That single act of kindness brought help from prominent leaders, including Distinguished Senator Jarigbe Agom, Hon Alphonsus Ogar Eba, etc. Because I chose not to use my own bank account, I worked quietly behind the scenes to acknowledge and appreciate every donor who paid into Matthew’s account each time you update the list of donors in your handle.
Your intervention changed Matthew’s life forever. When Dr. Betta Edu, then Commissioner for Health, saw your post, she directed him to Monaya Hospital, Ogoja where he was treated free of charge and healed completely as the ailment has a free medical facility there.
With the donations he received, I advised Matthew to proceed with writing JAMB even if the money can’t cater for his education, but he should start first instead of being idle. He did and gained admission into UNICAL and graduated last year. When he reached out to me in celebration I told him, “Please, go and thank Uncle Solo because his voice gave you hope and the beginning of this success.” And he did and he was grateful.
You were a brother to us from Yala who lives in Abuja, once a teammate when all of us were admiring Senator Jarigbe Agom from the start. Even when political tides shifted and friendships scattered, I prayed never to have an argument with you because my respect for you was too deep. And God honoured that prayer until your last breath.
Just a few weeks ago, you visited Hon. Godwin Offiono in the office, as you often did. Your first words were, “Where is our Amicable Honey? I hope I won’t be horny when I take it oo.” We laughed, and I handed you one. You admired my hustling spirit and even praised me for having it in the office, reminding me that some people would look down on such an idea at their level, thinking it’s a waste of time.
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Uncle Solo, death has done us strong. You shouldn’t have left now. We were supposed to still be here arguing, loving, hating, faking the love if we must, all hustling to survive in this hard economy. What about 2027 politics? Who will now give those audacious analyses and fearless predictions:bragging when they come true, and shrugging quietly when they miss?
You were bold. You never admitted defeat in any engagement. Once cornered or defeated in a thread, you will laugh and say, “Can we now share the grace? If so, doxology… and what have you now said?” Who will say those words now?
Reality has hit us like a storm. I write this in tears, farewell to a media lord, the voice of the people. We will miss arguing with you, playing politics, engaging the communities and sharing laughter over the smallest things.
Death cheated us. It was not our leaders who failed you, if that was your challenge, both they and we in this space would have stood with you as one of us. But the Scaring World has claimed you too soon and most suddenly.
Rest on Uncle Solo, until we meet again to argue, to laugh and to hustle for our people.
May your immediate family find the best comfort they desire because the vacuum your death has created can’t be filled by any human.
