Nigeria Mourns Audu Ogbeh: An Irreplaceable Institution in Agriculture and Public Service

In a solemn reflection on the passing of Chief Audu Ogbeh, Vice President Kashim Shettima, leading President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s delegation, paid a heartfelt condolence visit to the family of the late former Minister of Agriculture on Monday, August 11, 2025. Ogbeh, who died peacefully on August 9 at the age of 78, was celebrated not merely as a former minister but as a towering institution whose visionary and pragmatic approach significantly transformed Nigeria’s agricultural landscape.

Vice President Shettima described Ogbeh as one of Nigeria’s most visionary leaders whose contributions to food security and agricultural development would remain deeply engraved in the nation’s history. His passing marks an irreparable loss to Nigeria’s agricultural transformation and national development trajectory. Shettima praised Ogbeh’s legacy of integrity, dedication, and unwavering commitment to rural development, highlighting the millions of farming households that benefited from his initiatives. The Vice President expressed comfort in the many lives Ogbeh touched and emphasized that his enduring example will continue to inspire future generations of agricultural practitioners and policymakers.

Chief Audu Ogbeh’s distinguished career spanned decades and numerous roles, including serving as Nigeria’s Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development from 2015 to 2019 under President Muhammadu Buhari. He was also chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) from 2001 to 2005 and held ministerial roles in communications and steel development in the Nigerian Second Republic. Beyond politics, Ogbeh was a dedicated farmer, playwright, and intellectual who contributed substantially to Nigeria’s cultural and agricultural sectors.

Agricultural stakeholders have lauded Ogbeh’s contributions, noting his passion for agriculture despite not being an agriculturalist by training. Programs launched during his tenure, such as the rice revolution and the Rural Grazing Area Livestock Programme, left lasting impacts on Nigeria’s farming communities. While some experts pointed to areas for increased youth inclusion in his agricultural policies, the overall consensus is that his efforts significantly advanced the sector.

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His intellect, humility, and patriotism made him a respected bridge-builder and reformer, committed to Nigeria’s unity and progress. As the Northern Elders Forum highlighted, his counsel and integrity were pillars in their deliberations, and his loss is deeply felt across Nigeria.

President Bola Tinubu, the government, the people of Benue State, and the entire nation join in mourning a statesman of rare integrity who dedicated his life to public service and national development. May the Almighty Allah forgive his shortcomings and grant him Aljannah Firdaus. May his family and the nation find strength to bear this profound loss.

Chief Audu Ogbeh’s legacy of service and dedication will continue to guide Nigeria’s agricultural transformation and inspire future leaders and citizens committed to national progress. His memories remain an enduring beacon in Nigeria’s quest for food security and rural development.