Audu Ogbeh, a Nigerian farmer, playwright and politician who served as former chairman of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and Minister of Agriculture from 2015 to 2019, is dead.
He died on Saturday, August 9, aged 78.
“He departed peacefully, leaving behind a legacy of integrity, service and dedication to our nation and community. We are comforted by the many lives he touched and the examples he set,” his family announced in a statement.
“Details of the funeral arrangements will be communicated in due course.
“We thank friends, colleagues and well-wishers for their prayers and support during this time.
“We will appreciate some privacy at this time while we mourn the loss of our patriarch.”
Ogbeh was PDP chairman from 2001 to 2005 and served as minister under late ex-President Muhammadu Buhari.
He served as the Minister of Communications in Nigeria’s Second Republic from 1982 to 1983.
Known for his literary works, Ogbeh wrote five plays which include three published works. One of his plays, the Epitaph of Simon Kisulu was staged at Muson Centre in 2002.
Ogbeh, and Idoma, was born on 28 July 1947 in Benue State. He attended Kings College, Lagos from 1967 to 1969, then studied at Ahmadu Bello University Zaria from 1969 to 1972 and University of Toulouse, France from 1973 to 1974.
He lectured at the Institute of Education, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria from 1972 to 1976, and headed the department of humanities, Murtala College of Arts, Science and Technology from 1977 to 1979.
In 1979, Ogbeh ran for office in the Benue State House of Assembly on the Platform of National Party of Nigeria (NPN), becoming Deputy Speaker of the House.
In 1982, he was appointed Federal Minister of Communications, and later became Minister of Steel Development. His term of office ended in December 1983, when a military coup brought Major-General Muhammadu Buhari to power.
