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Tinubu, OBJ, Others Pay Tribute To Ex-Minister, Ogbeh
President Bola Tinubu and former President Olusegun Obasanjo led other prominent political figures to pay tributes to the former Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, Chief Audu Ogbeh, who died on Saturday at the age of 78.
A statement by the Ogbeh family confirmed that the elder statesman died peacefully.
“It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of our beloved husband, father and grandfather, Chief Audu Ogbeh,” the family said.
Ogbeh’s family described him as a man who “departed peacefully, leaving behind a legacy of integrity, service, and dedication to our nation and community.”
They expressed gratitude to friends, colleagues and well-wishers for their prayers and support, adding that funeral details would be announced later.
Born in Otukpo, Benue State, Ogbeh attended Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, and later the University of Toulouse in France, where he rose from teaching assistant to head of the Language, Arts and Social Sciences Department at Murtala College of Arts, Science and Technology in 1977.
His political career began with his election to the Benue State House of Assembly in 1979, where he served as Deputy Speaker.
He later became Minister of Communications (1982–1983) and Minister of Steel Development until the December 1983 coup.
Ogbeh took a break from politics to focus on agriculture, running rice mills, cashew plantations, and agricultural consultancy projects.
He returned to national service with his membership of National Constitutional Conference Commission (1993) and the National Reconciliation Committee (1995).
A founding member of the Peoples Democratic Party, Ogbeh served as National Chairman of the party (2001–2005), and opposed Obasanjo’s third-term agenda—a move that led to his resignation. He later served as Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development under the Muhammadu Buhari administration.
Leading the tributes, President Tinubu, in a statement by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, acknowledged Ogbeh’s intellectual contributions to policy formulation and his articulation of practical solutions to complex national challenges.
He also recognised that Ogbeh, who joined politics in the 70s as a legislator, was a founding member of the All Progressives Congress.
“Chief Audu Ogbeh was a patriot whose wisdom, dedication, and pursuit of progress left an indelible mark on Nigeria’s political landscape. He was always ready with facts and figures to support his propositions. The nation will sorely miss his insightful perspectives and wealth of experience,” Tinubu said.
In his tribute, former President Obasanjo expressed sadness at Ogbeh’s demise.
Obasanjo, who is in Uganda on a visit, described the late Minister as a peace-loving, unassuming, committed patriot and a firm believer in democracy and participatory governance.
In a statement by his Special Assistant on Media, Kehinde Akinyemi, the former President stated that Ogbeh was “a man whose political career stretched from the military era through the present democratic dispensation.
“Chief Audu Ogbeh will be missed for his unwavering commitment to politics, governance and democracy as he made significant contributions to the re-establishment of democracy in Nigeria. His place will be very difficult to fill within his community, the State, the Party and the nation.”
Similarly, former Senate President, Bukola Saraki, described Ogbeh as one of the rare public figures whose words carried the weight of integrity.
“In his work and my encounters with him, I saw a man deeply rooted in good values and genuinely concerned for the interest of the people he served.
“Our nation has lost a voice of reason and a heart of service. I extend my condolences to his wife, children, the entire Ogbeh family, and all who mourn his passing. May the Almighty grant them the strength and fortitude to bear this great and irreparable loss,” Saraki wrote on his verified X handle.
Also, the Chairman of the Northern States Governors’ Forum and Gombe State Governor, Inuwa Yahaya, speaking on behalf of the forum, described Ogbeh as a towering political figure, a statesman of uncommon intellect, and an iconic son of northern Nigeria.
Yahaya said Ogbeh brought dignity and depth to every office he held and served the country with integrity and commitment.
He added that his death was “a huge loss not only to Benue State and the North, but to the entire nation.”
Also, Benue State Governor, Hyacinth Alia, said he received the report of the demise of the former minister with sadness.
In a statement signed by his Chief Press Secretary, Kula Tersoo, the governor expressed regrets over Ogbeh’s death.
He said the consolation was that Ogbeh lived a successful and fulfilled life, and was greatly respected and admired by many, adding that his legacies would be remembered.
The system read partly, “He, however, states that as a politician, former Federal Minister of Communications, former Minister of Steel Development, former chairman of the PDP, farmer and playwright, the late Chief Ogbeh lived a successful and fulfilled life, and was greatly respected and admired by many, adding that his legacies will always be remembered.”
In his tribute, former Delta State governor, James Ibori, hailed Ogbeh as “one of the most effective chairmen the PDP ever produced.
“He was not about money or bribes; he upheld internal democracy in the party and was a man of integrity.
“As National Chairman, he had express instructions to prevent me from running in 2003, but he was too decent to act on such underhanded schemes. On behalf of myself, my wife, and my entire family, I extend my heartfelt condolences to his wife, children, and the good people of Benue State. May his gentle soul rest in peace,” Ibori said in a statement.
The Rivers State Government has commended the Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion) for its outstanding contributions to the development of Rivers State, particularly in the areas of peacebuilding, education, healthcare, and moral development.
Governor of Rivers State, Siminalayi Fubara, stated that the Church has remained a dependable partner in promoting peace, unity, justice, moral discipline, and social harmony across society.
The Governor, who was represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Dr. Dagogo Wokoma, made the remarks during the thanksgiving service marking the 30th Anniversary and First Session of the 11th Synod of the Diocese of Niger Delta North, held at St. Peter’s Anglican Church on Sunday.
Governor Fubara described the Synod’s theme, “Kingdom Advancement: The Priority of Every Believer,” as timely and relevant, considering the prevailing realities in society.
According to him, the Church continues to play a vital role in shaping societal values and inspiring hope among citizens.
“The Church remains a vital partner in promoting peace, unity, justice, and moral discipline. Its role in shaping values and inspiring hope cannot be overemphasized,” he stated.
The Governor further acknowledged the Anglican Communion’s contributions in education, healthcare delivery, youth empowerment, humanitarian services, and spiritual guidance across communities in Rivers State.
“The Rivers State Government appreciates the invaluable contributions of the Anglican Communion in education, healthcare, youth development, humanitarian support, and spiritual guidance. Your impact across communities in Rivers State continues to strengthen families and promote peaceful coexistence among our people,” he added.
Governor Fubara reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to building a peaceful, united, and prosperous Rivers State where all citizens can thrive irrespective of religion, ethnicity, or social background.
He also urged the Synod to continue praying for sustainable development and progress in Rivers State and Nigeria at large.
Earlier in his sermon, the Guest Minister, Joseph Olushola, spoke on the topic, “Kingdom Investment and Internal Rewards,” urging Christians to remain faithful stewards of God’s blessings and committed to advancing God’s kingdom through service and generosity.
The cleric emphasized that believers are custodians of the virtues and resources entrusted to them by God, stressing that divine rewards are based on faithfulness and impact rather than material possessions.
The Shell Nigeria Gas Limited, in partnership with the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN), has reaffirmed support for efforts to expand gas distribution infrastructure in Rivers State as part of initiatives aimed at improving access to affordable, cleaner and more reliable energy for industries across the South-South region.
The commitment was highlighted during the SNG–MAN Business Forum held in Port Harcourt, where stakeholders from the industrial and public sectors examined the role of natural gas in driving industrialisation, boosting local production and strengthening energy security.
Speaking at the forum on behalf of the Managing Director of Shell Nigeria Gas Limited, the company’s Head of Gas Distribution, Mr. Chukwuka Amos Ejesi, described natural gas as a critical component of Nigeria’s energy mix and a key driver of sustainable industrial growth.
According to him, Nigeria’s gas development agenda has reached a stage where policy direction must be matched with practical implementation capable of addressing the energy challenges confronting manufacturers.
He noted that pipeline gas offers industries a cleaner, more dependable and cost-effective energy alternative capable of supporting uninterrupted operations, reducing emissions and improving production efficiency.
“Gas is the backbone of manufacturing, and we are encouraged by the growing recognition among stakeholders of the need for cleaner and more reliable energy solutions,” he said.
Ejesi stressed the need for sustained collaboration among energy providers, government institutions and industrial stakeholders to maximise the country’s gas resources for economic development.
He added that improved gas infrastructure would strengthen manufacturing value chains, enhance productivity and promote more competitive industrial operations across Rivers State and the wider South-South region.
Participants at the forum also emphasised the importance of expanding energy infrastructure as a pathway to unlocking industrial capacity, reducing operating costs and promoting sustainable industrial development.
Representing Governor Siminalayi Fubara, the Director-General of the Rivers State Investment Promotion Agency, Dr. Chamberlain Peterside, reaffirmed the state government’s commitment to partnering with private sector investors to revitalise industrial activities in the state.
He identified key projects targeted under the initiative to include the revival of the Ahoada Industrial Park, the New Port City project and the proposed Bonny Industrial Park, all aimed at stimulating economic growth and expanding industrial opportunities along the Bonny corridor.
According to the governor, the long-term vision is to position Rivers State as a leading manufacturing hub in Southern Nigeria through strategic public-private partnerships.
Governor Fubara also commended Shell Nigeria Gas and MAN for sustaining engagements geared towards improving industrial energy access, noting that gas infrastructure development remains central to the state’s economic recovery plans.
He further observed that the gas sector presents enormous opportunities for economic growth, especially as global energy systems continue to shift towards cleaner energy sources.
The governor called on stakeholders to work collectively towards developing a practical and sustainable gas framework capable of supporting the state’s industrial and energy development objectives.
By; Kevin Nengia
Rivers State Deputy Governor, Prof. Ngozi Nma Odu, has charged newlywed couples to build their marriages on the virtues of love and submission as taught in the Word of God.
Prof. Odu gave the charge at the wedding ceremony of Amblessed Favour Sunny-Cookey and Samson Jesuganji at Lifegate Power Ministries, Dominion Cathedral, in Port Harcourt on Saturday, 16th May 2026.
The Deputy Governor congratulated the couple on beginning a new phase of life together and prayed for God’s blessings upon their union, noting that the couple had been raised by godly parents and encouraged them to uphold the Christian values instilled in them.
Referring to the sermon delivered during the ceremony, Prof. Odu emphasized that the principles of love and submission remain fundamental to a successful marriage.
According to her, genuine love reflects the nature of God, stressing that love should remain the foundation of the couple’s relationship as they journey through life together.
Prof. Odu further prayed for enduring peace, happiness, and progress in the home, expressing confidence that the marriage would continue to flourish under God’s guidance.
The Deputy Governor also commended the families of the couple for their support and upbringing, while urging the newlyweds to always remember the significance of the day and the commitment they had made before God and witnesses.
In his sermon at the wedding, the Founder and Presiding Pastor of Salvation Ministries, Pastor David Ibiyeomie, stated that marriage did not originate from Western culture, traditions, or human ideas, but from God, whom he described as the “manufacturer” of marriage.
According to the cleric, couples seeking lasting and peaceful homes must rely on biblical principles rather than societal trends or assumptions.
He explained that many marital crises and rising divorce rates stem from ignorance and failure to apply scriptural teachings in family life.
Drawing from the biblical parable of building a house on a rock, Pastor Ibiyeomie said the Word of God remains the only solid foundation capable of sustaining marriages through challenges and difficult times.
He noted that marriage naturally comes with unexpected realities and pressures, stressing that religious ceremonies or cultural practices alone are not enough to sustain a home without proper understanding of God’s instructions.
The pastor further warned that ignorance of scripture remains one of the greatest weapons against believers, urging Christians to study and practice the Word of God rather than merely attending church services.
It would be recalled that the bride is the daughter of Pastor Sunny Cookey the Founder and Presiding Pastor of Lifegate Ministries. The Ceremony had lots of Ministers in attendance which includes Apostle Zilly Aggrey, Pastor George Izunwa, and Bishop Winston Iwo