By Amos Aar
BENUE State Governor, Rev. Fr Hyacinth Alia, has expressed sadness over the death of former Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, Chief Innocent Audu Ogbeh, describing him as an elder statesman whose life and service left an enduring legacy.
Chief Ogbeh, who passed away on Saturday, August 9, 2025, at the age of 78, was a seasoned politician and respected figure in Nigerian public life. He served as deputy speaker of the Benue State House of Assembly in 1979 under the National Party of Nigeria (NPN), and later held various national positions, including Minister of Communications, Minister of Steel Development, and Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). He was also known as a farmer and playwright.
In a statement issued by his Chief Press Secretary, Tersoo Kula, the governor said Chief Ogbeh lived “a successful and fulfilled life” and was “greatly respected and admired by many.” He prayed for God to grant his family, the Idoma nation, the people of Benue State, and Nigerians large the strength to bear the loss, and for the late statesman’s soul to rest in peace.
Governor Alia also commiserated with the family of the Executive Secretary of the Benue State Examinations Board, Dr. Ade Ishoribo, who died on Friday, August 8, 2025. He described Dr. Ishoribo as a gentleman whose work at the board had begun to yield positive results before his untimely passing.
The governor prayed for comfort for the bereaved family, staff of the Examinations Board, the people of Guma Local Government Area, and the entire state, while also asking God to grant the deceased eternal rest.
According to the statement, a delegation led by the governor’s Chief of Staff, Barr. Moses Atagher, has visited the Ishoribo family to convey the condolences of the government and people of Benue State over the loss of the examinations board secretary and former chairman of Guma Local Government Council.
