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.
