Tuesday, August 12, 2025 - Vice President Kashim Shettima has expressed deep sorrow over the passing of the former Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, Chief Audu Ogbeh, saying Nigeria has lost one of its most visionary leaders.
He described Chief Ogbeh’s death as an irreparable loss to
Nigeria’s agricultural transformation drive and national development
trajectory.
Speaking on Monday when he led President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s
delegation on a condolence visit to the family of the late former Minister of
Agriculture, the Vice President noted that the late Ogbeh’s contributions to
food security and rural development will forever remain etched in the country’s
development history.
According to a statement by his spokesman, Stanley Nkwocha,
the VP eulogised the late elder statesman, who passed away peacefully on
Saturday at the age of 78. He maintained that he is among the great statesmen
whose dedication to agricultural renaissance touched millions of farming
families across Nigeria.
“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.
“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,” Senator
Shettima stated.
He described Chief Ogbeh as a transformational leader whose
legacy transcends political affiliations and regional boundaries, noting that
his contributions to Nigeria’s quest for food security represent a blueprint
for sustainable agricultural development.
The Vice President noted that Chief Ogbeh’s approach to
agricultural development was characterised by integrity, dedication, and an
unwavering commitment to the welfare of Nigerian farmers and rural dwellers.
“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,” VP Shettima added.
Offering prayers for reposing the deceased’s soul, the Vice
President expressed confidence that Chief Ogbeh’s legacy would continue to
inspire future agricultural practitioners and policymakers.
“We are comforted by the many lives he touched and the
enduring example he set. His legacy of integrity, service, and dedication to
our nation will continue to guide our agricultural transformation efforts,”
Senator Shettima remarked.
“I pray that Almighty Allah will forgive his shortcomings
and grant him Aljannah Firdaus. May Allah also grant the family, the government
and people of Benue State, and the entire nation the fortitude to bear this
irreparable loss,” the Vice President added.
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