The Northern Elders Forum (NEF) has expressed profound sorrow over the death of elder statesman Audu Innocent Ogbeh, who passed away in the early hours of Saturday, August 9, 2025.
Mr. Ogbeh was a distinguished national figure and a respected member of the NEF Board of Trustees, known for his wisdom, integrity, and unwavering dedication to the unity and progress of Northern Nigeria and the country at large.
In a statement, NEF spokesperson Professor Abubakar Jika Jiddere described Ogbeh as “a principled democrat, a patriotic nationalist, and a tireless advocate for peace and cohesion.”
A renowned farmer, politician, playwright, and intellectual, Ogbeh served Nigeria with distinction as Minister of Communications (1982–1983) and Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development (2015–2019). His legacy as a statesman committed to peace and national unity remains enduring.
The NEF extends heartfelt condolences to his family, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the government and people of Benue State, the people of Northern Nigeria, and the entire nation. His passing is both a personal loss to the Forum and a profound loss to Nigeria.
“The forum described Audu Ogbeh as a statesman of rare integrity, a patriot of unwavering conviction, and a cherished member of our family. In our councils, he was a voice of reason and conscience; in the nation’s service, a bridge-builder, reformer, and steadfast advocate of unity and justice. His wisdom guided us, his humility inspired us, and his commitment to Nigeria’s progress strengthened us. Though the nation grieves, our loss is deeply personal, for we have lost not only a leader but a trusted friend whose absence will be deeply felt.”
