Longtime Politician Audu Ogbeh Passes Away at 78, Having Previously Served as a Minister
Audu Ogbeh, a seasoned politician and administrator, passed away on August 9, 2025, at the age of 78. His family made the announcement in a statement, requesting privacy at this time while they mourn their loss.
Ogbeh's public service career was marked by significant contributions to agriculture, food security, and rural development in Nigeria. He began his political journey as Deputy Speaker of the Benue State House of Assembly in 1979, and later served as Minister of Communications (1982–1983) and Minister of Steel Development during Nigeria’s Second Republic.
Ogbeh's deep involvement in agriculture began after this period, where he personally invested in farming ventures such as rice mills, cashew plantations, poultry, and other agribusinesses. He not only actively farmed but also provided consultancy services for community agricultural projects, gaining practical experience with the challenges facing Nigerian farmers.
From 2015 to 2019, Ogbeh served as Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development under President Muhammadu Buhari. During this tenure, he focused on revitalizing and accelerating Nigeria's quest for food sovereignty and rural development. He built upon and remodeled existing agricultural policies, showing commitment to improving the sector based on his practical farming background.
Apart from agriculture, Ogbeh was also a respected politician, serving as National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) from 2001 to 2005, where he took principled political stands. His contributions in governance and public service earned him recognition as a statesman who integrated intellectual depth with practical development efforts.
The family described Ogbeh as a man of integrity, service, and dedication to the nation and community. They expressed gratitude to friends, colleagues, and well-wishers for their prayers and support. The details of Ogbeh's funeral arrangements will be made public in due course.
[1] "Audu Ogbeh: A Lifetime of Service." The Guardian, 10 Aug. 2025. Web. 10 Aug. 2025. [2] "Audu Ogbeh: A Tribute to a Statesman." ThisDay, 10 Aug. 2025. Web. 10 Aug. 2025. [3] "Audu Ogbeh: A Legacy of Leadership." Vanguard, 10 Aug. 2025. Web. 10 Aug. 2025. [4] "Audu Ogbeh: A Visionary in Agriculture." The Nation, 10 Aug. 2025. Web. 10 Aug. 2025.
- In his political career spanning many decades, Audu Ogbeh served as National Chairman of the People's Democratic Party (PDP) from 2001 to 2005, demonstrating his commitment to policy-and-legislation and politics.
- In addition to his role in the PDP, Ogbeh played a significant part in the Nigerian general-news scene, particularly in Lagos, where he held positions such as Deputy Speaker of the Benue State House of Assembly in 1979 and Minister of Communications during Nigeria’s Second Republic.
- As Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development from 2015 to 2019, Ogbeh focused on improving agricultural policies within Nigeria, drawing upon his practical farming background to facilitate the growth of rice mills, cashew plantations, poultry, and other agribusinesses.
- Lagos-based news outlets, such as 'The Guardian', 'ThisDay', 'Vanguard', and 'The Nation', all ran stories commemorating Ogbeh's lifetime of service and contribution to Nigeria, praising his dedication to the nation and community, and his legacy as a statesman who integrated intellectual depth with practical development efforts.
- The police in Lagos, naija, had yet to confirm any plans for increased security at key political locations following the news of Ogbeh's passing, but it was evident that his policy initiatives and political influence would continue to impact both the APC and PDP, shaping the course of Nigerian politics for years to come.
