EDUMOGA Che Nche Development Forum has paid glowing tribute to the late Chief Audu Innocent Ogbeh, describing him as a “man of all seasons” whose life was marked by exceptional service to Nigeria in politics, agriculture, education, and community development.
In a press statement made available to National Record on Sunday, signed by its National Chairman, Stephen Ejembi Olah (KSM), the Forum mourned the passing of the former Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, who died at the age of 78.
Edumoga Che Nche Development Forum is a socio-political pressure group dedicated to advancing the interests of the Edumoga Nation and its people, currently has its National Secretariat in Abuja, and advocates for development, unity, and equitable representation.
The Forum says it celebrates Chief Ogbeh, a Commander of the Order of the Niger (CON), as a rare statesman whose career transcended political divides, leaving an indelible mark on the nation.
According to the statement, Chief Ogbeh’s public service journey began in the Benue State House of Assembly, where he represented then Okpokwu state constituency with a strong commitment to social justice not only for his people but a broad spectrum of Nigerians.
Noting that attributes and his sharp political acumen later propelled him to national prominence leading to his appointment into various positions of prominence – Minister of Communication in the President Shehu Shagari administration, National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, where he championed policies to enhance food security and empower farmers.
The Forum’s statement highlighted Ogbeh’s multifaceted legacy, noting his contributions as an intellectual, playwright, and farmer. “Beyond titles, he was a man of deep intellect, a teacher, a playwright, and a farmer… His voice was steady in the storm, his counsel sought by presidents, and his example one of humility in power.”
The late statesman’s dedication to agriculture was both professional and personal, the statement emphasised, adding that while advocating for policies to transform Nigeria’s farming sector, he also cultivated the land himself, embodying the values he promoted.
The Edumoga Che Nche Development Forum extended its condolences to Ogbeh’s family, the APC, the Idoma Nation, and all Nigerians, describing his death as the loss of “a voice of reason, a pillar of unity, and a beacon of integrity.”
“Farewell, statesman. Farewell, teacher. Farewell, farmer of both the land and the human spirit. Your season on earth was rich and full – and your harvest will feed generations to come,” the statement concluded.
