Nigeria has lost one of its prominent political figures, Chief Audu Ogbeh, a former Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, who died peacefully on Saturday at the age of 78.
His death was confirmed in a statement issued by the Ogbeh family, which described the elder statesman as a man of integrity, service, and unwavering dedication to the nation.
“It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of our beloved husband, father, and grandfather; Chief Audu Ogbeh,” the family said. “He passed away on the 9th of August 2025 at the fulfilled age of 78. He departed peacefully, leaving behind a legacy of integrity, service, and dedication to our nation and community. We are comforted by the many lives he touched and the example he set.”
A respected politician, Ogbeh served as Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development from 2015 to 2019, where he championed agricultural reforms, promoted food security, and encouraged local production as part of Nigeria’s drive to reduce dependency on imports. Before that, he had held several political roles, including National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) between 2001 and 2005.
Throughout his decades-long career, Ogbeh was known for his outspokenness, policy innovations, and commitment to rural development. He also had a distinguished career as a farmer and advocate for agricultural modernization.
The family noted that funeral arrangements will be announced in due course and appealed for privacy as they mourn their patriarch. “We will appreciate some privacy at this time while we mourn the loss of our patriarch,” the statement read.
Tributes have already begun pouring in from across the country, with political leaders, colleagues, and former associates hailing Ogbeh as a man whose life’s work left a lasting impact on Nigeria’s agricultural landscape and governance.
