By Omowumi Omotosho
Former Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, Chief Audu Ogbeh, has died at the age of 78 on Saturday morning.
In an official statement issued by the family on Saturday, the family expressed grief, stating: “It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of our beloved husband, father and grandfather; Chief Audu Ogbeh. He passed away on the 9th of August 2025 at the fulfilled age of 78.”
The family described the late Chief Ogbeh as a man of “integrity, service, and dedication to our nation and community,” adding: “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.”
While specific funeral details are yet to be announced, the family assured the public that the arrangements would be made known in due course.
“Details of the funeral arrangements will be communicated in due course. We thank friends, colleagues, and well-wishers for their prayers and support during this time. We will appreciate some privacy at this time while we mourn the loss of our patriarch,” the statement concluded.
A respected political leader, Ogbeh was National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) chairman from 2001 to 2005 and served as minister under late ex-President Muhammadu Buhari.
Chief Audu Ogbeh was widely respected for his public service and commitment to Nigeria’s agricultural development. As Nigeria’s Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development from November 2015 to May 2019, overseeing several key reforms and initiatives.Ogbeh’s policies focused on achieving food self-sufficiency, improving export quality, and creating sustainable livelihoods for rural communities.
