‘He lived fulfilled life’ – Gov Alia mourns Audu Ogbeh

Governor Hyacinth Alia has expressed deep sorrow over the death of elder statesman and former Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, Chief Innocent Audu Ogbeh, who passed away on Saturday, August 9, 2025, at the age of 78.

In a condolence message issued this morning, the governor described the news of Chief Ogbeh’s passing as heartbreaking, noting his distinguished political journey, which began in 1979 when he was elected into the Benue State House of Assembly under the National Party of Nigeria, NPN, and served as Deputy Speaker.

Governor Alia praised the late Ogbeh’s illustrious career as a politician, former Federal Minister of Communications, former Minister of Steel Development, one-time National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, as well as a respected farmer and playwright.

He said the revered leader “lived a fulfilled life and earned the admiration of many,” adding that his contributions would remain evergreen.

The governor prayed for God’s comfort for the bereaved family, the Idoma nation, the people of Benue, and Nigeria, and for the eternal repose of Chief Ogbeh’s soul.

In a separate condolence message, Governor Alia also mourned Dr Ade Ishoribo, Executive Secretary of the Benue State Examinations Board, who died on Friday, August 8, 2025.

He commended Dr Ishoribo as “a gentleman whose leadership at the State Examinations Board had already begun producing tangible results,” lamenting that his life and service had been cut short unexpectedly.

The governor prayed for strength for his family, colleagues at the Benue State Examinations Board, and the people of Guma LGA to bear the loss, while also asking God to grant the deceased eternal rest.

Meanwhile, the governor has dispatched a delegation, led by his Chief of Staff, Moses Atagher, to the Ishoribo family to convey the condolences of the government and people of Benue State over the passing of the former Chairman of Guma Local Government Council.