Chief Audu Innocent Ogbeh, the former National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and ex-Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, passed away Saturday August 9, 2025, leaving a legacy of public service and agricultural reform in Nigeria.
Born on July 28, 1947 in Otukpo, Benue State, Ogbeh’s political career spanned decades, marked by his leadership of the PDP from 2001 to 2005 and his transformative tenure as Agriculture Minister from 2015 to 2019 under President Muhammadu Buhari.
He championed policies to boost food security, including the Anchor Borrowers’ Programme, which empowered smallholder farmers, and advocated for modernized farming techniques to reduce Nigeria’s import dependency. A principled statesman and Idoma leader, Ogbeh’s eloquence and commitment to national unity earned him respect across divides, though his later years were quieter due to health challenges.
His death, announced by his family, has drawn tributes on social media, with many hailing his integrity and contributions to Nigeria’s political and agricultural landscape, cementing his memory as a dedicated patriot.
We extend our deepest condolences to the Ogbeh family, the Idoma community, and all who knew this remarkable statesman. We reflect on his enduring legacy as a patriot who championed progress and integrity. May his soul rest in peace, and may his loved ones find solace in the profound impact he made on Nigeria.
