Chief Audu Innocent Ogbeh, who died at the weekend, at the age of 78, was a distinguished Nigerian with a legacy of service and dedication to the country’s peace and progress, as well as its growth and development.
He was a polyglot whose work life traversed teaching, playwriting, politics, governance, and farming.
Although he earlier held the positions of Minister of Communications, and later Steel Development, from 1982 to 1983, during the Second Republic under President Shehu Shagari, it was as Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development (as it then was), between 2015 and 2019, that the late Chief Ogbeh was truly at home with his deep love for farming, a fact related to his parental upbringing and his practised livelihood.
For years, Chief Ogbeh invested in cashew plantations, poultry, and rice milling, among others. He also availed willing state clients and personalities of his consulting skills in the establishment of viable agricultural projects. He was, therefore, familiar with the practical challenges of agriculture in Nigeria and sought, during his tenure as Minister, to accelerate the country’s quest for food sovereignty.
However vast his hands-on experience in farming was, it is instructive that the late Audu Ogbeh did not attempt to jettison the agenda of his immediate predecessor in office. Instead, he remodels it, built on it, and implemented the new game plan with vigour and commitment.
Chief Ogbeh was instrumental to the launch of “The Green Alternative: Agriculture Promotion Policy, 2016-2010” under which mechanization was a thrust.
Indeed, when we assumed office as Ministers two years ago, we were influenced by the landmark efforts of our predecessors, of whom Audu Ogbeh was one, in designing the Action Plan and Monitoring Framework for the implementation of the National Agricultural Technology and Innovation Policy ((NATIP 2022-2027).
The Action Plan is designed to address critical challenges in the food supply chain, including agricultural inputs, technology, extension services, as well as post-harvest losses, the overall goal being the sustainability of the country’s food systems and contribution to economic growth.
We are grieved by the passing of Chief Audu Ogbeh, and the nation will sorely miss his candour and formidable ideas for the country’s growth and development.
We pray that the Almighty will grant the late Chief Audu Ogbeh eternal rest and comfort his family, relatives, friends, and associates the world over.
SIGNED
Senator Dr. Aliyu Sabi Abdullahi, CON
(Baraden Borgu)
Honourable Minister of State for Agriculture and Food Security
August 11, 2025.
