The Minister of State for Agriculture and Food Security, Senator Aliyu Sabi Abdullahi, has mourned the death of former Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, Chief Audu Innocent Ogbeh.
In a statement, Abdullahi described the late politician and farmer as a distinguished Nigerian whose service and dedication contributed to the nation’s peace, progress, and development.
He commended Ogbeh’s role in increasing mechanisation in the agricultural sector, noting his leadership in launching The Green Alternative: Agriculture Promotion Policy (2016–2020).
Abdullahi said the policy became a reference point for the design of the current National Agricultural Technology and Innovation Policy (NATIP 2022–2027), which addresses challenges in agricultural inputs, technology, extension services, and post-harvest losses.
According to the Minister, Ogbeh’s passion for farming was evident in his personal investments in cashew plantations, poultry, and rice milling, as well as in providing consultancy services for viable agricultural projects.
Abdullahi recalled that Ogbeh had earlier served as Minister of Communications and later Minister of Steel Development between 1982 and 1983 under President Shehu Shagari, but said his tenure as Agriculture Minister from 2015 to 2019 was where he was “truly at home.”
He praised Ogbeh for building on the work of his predecessors and implementing agricultural reforms with “vigour and commitment.”
The Minister prayed for the repose of Ogbeh’s soul and for God’s comfort to his family, friends, and associates.
