Vice President Kashim Shettima on Monday led a Federal Government delegation to pay a condolence visit to the family of the late former Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, Audu Ogbeh.
Ogbeh, who served as National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) between 2001 and 2005, passed away last Saturday at the age of 78.
Two days after his passing, Shettima described Ogbeh as one of Nigeria’s most visionary leaders, noting that his role in advancing food security would remain an enduring part of the country’s development history.
He said the death of the elder statesman was “an irreparable loss to Nigeria’s agricultural transformation drive and national development trajectory.”
This was disclosed in a statement issued on Monday by Stanley Nkwocha, the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Communications.
“We are here at the behest of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to convey our heartfelt condolences to the family, the government, and people of Benue State over the sad demise of our elder statesman, Chief Audu Ogbeh,” Shettima stated.
“We have not just lost a former minister; we have lost an irreplaceable institution whose vision and pragmatic approach to agricultural development transformed the landscape of our farming communities.”
The vice president praised Ogbeh as a leader whose transformational impact went beyond political lines and regional boundaries, saying his contributions provided a clear blueprint for sustainable agricultural growth in Nigeria.
Shettima also highlighted the late politician’s integrity, dedication, and steadfast commitment to rural development, pointing out that millions of farming households benefited from his programs and ideas.
“He was a most committed advocate of agricultural transformation who endeared himself to many with his wisdom, pragmatism, and genuine concern for the well-being of farming families. His demise represents a collective loss to our entire agricultural ecosystem,” Shettima added.
What you should know
Audu Ogbeh was a respected Nigerian politician, former Minister of Agriculture, and ex-PDP National Chairman. He was widely regarded for his vision in transforming Nigeria’s farming sector and promoting food security.
His passing marks the loss of a significant figure in the country’s agricultural development.
