Audu Ogbeh passed away on Saturday at the age of 78. While there is no official information on the cause of his death, his relatives have disclosed that the late statesman passed on peacefully.
During his lifetime, Ogbeh was a respected political figure. Tributes from other politicians describe him as one who left an indelible mark on the nation’s political and agricultural landscape.
He has been described as a statesman renowned for his integrity, intellect, and unwavering commitment to public service.
Here are ten facts you didn’t know about Audu Ogbeh:
Born in Benue State
Ogbeh was born on July 28, 1947, in Otukpo, a community in present-day Benue State.
Former Deputy Speaker of Benue State Assembly
The late statesman served as the Deputy Speaker of the Benue State House of Assembly between 1979 to 1982.
Former Federal Minister of Communications
Ogbeh served under the Shehu Shagari administration as Federal Minister of Communications from 1982 to 1983
Former Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development
Ogbeh held the position of Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development under late President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration from 2015 to 2019.
Former PDP National Chairman
Ogbeh served as the National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party from 2001 to 2005. He reportedly resigned due to an internal party crisis that arose from Olusegun Obasanjo’s bid for a third term as president.
Educated in France
Late Ogbeh completed a Master’s Degree in French Literature at the University of Toulouse in France.
Ahmadu Bello University (ABU) Zaria alumnus
Before proceeding to the University of Toulouse in France for a Master’s Degree, he earned his BA in French from Ahmadu Bello University in Zaria.
Former lecturer
Ogbeh was a lecturer at Ahmadu Bello University between 1972 and 1976.
Farmer
Ogbeh established rice mills, a cashew plantation, poultry farms, and pineapple projects.
Playwright
The late elder statesman wrote a play titled “Epitaph for Simon Kisulu”. The play addresses the oppressive system of apartheid in South Africa. It was first published in 1984 and staged at Lagos’ Muson Centre in 2002.
