By Abubakar Yunusa Ojima-Ojo
The Northern Elders Forum (NEF) has expressed profound sorrow over the death of elder statesman Audu Innocent Ogbeh, who passed away on Saturday, 9 August 2025.
A distinguished farmer, politician, playwright, and intellectual, Ogbeh served Nigeria as Minister of Communications from 1982 to 1983 and as Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development from 2015 to 2019.
According to the Forum,Ogbeh, a respected member of the NEF’s Board of Trustees, was celebrated as a principled democrat and a tireless advocate for peace and national cohesion.
In a statement on Sunday evening,NEF spokesperson Professor Abubakar Jika Jiddere described Ogbeh as “a patriot of unwavering conviction” whose wisdom and integrity guided the Forum’s deliberations.
The Forum extended heartfelt condolences to Ogbeh’s family, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the people of Benue State, and the entire nation.
“His passing is a profound loss to Nigeria and a personal blow to our Forum.He praised Ogbeh’s role as a bridge-builder and reformer.
“Ogbeh’s legacy, marked by humility and dedication to unity, will continue to inspire Nigeria’s pursuit of justice and progress, “the NEF added.
