By Francis Wilfred
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has extolled the late former Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, Audu Innocent Ogbeh, for his lifelong dedication to Nigeria’s development, describing him as a patriot and statesman of uncommon service.Tinubu’s tribute was delivered on Saturday in Benue State during the funeral service for Ogbeh, who passed away at the age of 75. The Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Sen. George Akume, conveyed the President’s condolence message on behalf of the Federal Government. In a statement signed by Segun Imohiosen, Director of Information and Public Relations in the Office of the SGF, Akume praised Ogbeh for his “indelible mark on Nigeria’s development” through his roles as Minister, Special Adviser, National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), and a key figure in the merger process that produced the All Progressives Congress (APC) in 2015.“
President Tinubu appreciates the invaluable contributions of the late Ogbeh in various capacities. He lived a fulfilled life with a track record worthy of emulation,” Akume said. The SGF urged the people of Benue and Nigerians at large not to grieve deeply but to celebrate the life of a man who served his nation with integrity and left behind enduring legacies. Speaking at the service, Ogbeh’s son, Adegbeope Ogbeh, thanked dignitaries, associates, and well-wishers for their support following his father’s passing. He noted that his father “ran a good race, finished his course, and left behind sterling legacies the family aspires to uphold.” The funeral was attended by top government officials, including the Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, Engr. Prof. Joseph Terlumun Utsev; former Minister of Labour and Productivity, Dr. Chris Ngige; Senator representing Benue North-West, Dr. Titus Tartenger Zam; Managing Director of the Nigerian Shippers’ Council, Dr. Akutah Pius Ukeyima; as well as members of the National Assembly, political leaders, and dignitaries from across the country.
The service drew a large gathering of well-wishers who came to pay their final respects to Ogbeh, remembered as a leader committed to national progress and unity.
