From Joseph Uchenna, in Makurdi
Former Minister of Communications and Agriculture and Natural Resources Chief Audu Ogbeh is to be laid to rest today, Friday 26th September, 2025 in his home country Otukpa, Ogbadibo Local Government Area of Benue State.
On Thursday 25th September, 2025 a valedictory session was held by the Benue State House of Assembly at the Banquet House, Government House, Makurdi
During the session, Benue State Governor Rev Fr Hyacinth Alia extolled the virtues of late Chief Innocent Audu Ogbeh, as a embodiment of legacy of dedication and vision.
Governor Alia said Chief Ogbeh demonstrated leadership quality in fairness and served the people justly.
He also, said Chief Ogbeh was a workaholic, a playwright who carried the name of Benue with pride.
Represented by his Deputy Sam Ode, Governor Alia said, “we feel deeply sad over his passage. He was a legacy that embodied dedication and vision.
“He embodied as an ambassador of the State shinning through his actions. He showed committment to the nation and exhibited values of integrity and service.
“He is a man who embraced responsibilities and made a difference in public service in trust and admiration. He fought for justice and progress
In his valedictory tribute, Speaker of the Assembly, Mr. Alfred Emberga, described late Chief Audu Ogbeh as a selfless leader and brilliant legislator who advocated the rights and welfare of his constituents and left an indelible mark on the legislative arena.
“Chief Ogbeh demonstrated brilliance in service to his people and Nigeria. From his records as a member of the House, all his motions were bothered on welfare and development of his people and the entire state.
“Our senior member was a very vocal and effective legislator, who endeared himself to his constituents with activism. He served his people selflessly and it behoves on us to emulate him, having left an enduring legacy”, Emberga stated.
It should be noted that Chief Ogbeh, who died on August 9th, 2025 at the age of 78. was the Deputy Speaker of the Benue first Assembly from 1979 to 1982, under the National Party of Nigeria, NPN. He waa also, a former national chairman of the Peoples’ Democratic Party (PDP), from 2001 to January 2005.
Until his death, Chief Audu Ogbeh was a chieftain of the ruling All Progressives Congress APC in the country
The valedictory session for the deceased was attended by some former members of the House and former deputy governor of the State, Chief Steven Lawani.
