Speaker, Benue State House of Assembly, Hyacinth Dajoh, has expressed deep sorrow over the passing of elder statesman Chief Audu Ugbeh, who died at the age of 78.
Dajoh, in a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Terver Zamber, described Ogbeh as a nationalist and a leader in his own rights, whose selfless contributions to the development of Benue and Nigeria would be greatly missed.
The speaker noted that the late Chief Ogbeh, a two-time minister of agriculture, lived an exemplary life devoted to public service, unity, and the advancement of his people.
He said that the elder statesman left behind a legacy of integrity, patriotism, and hard work.
He prayed to God to grant the soul of the departed eternal rest and comfort his family, friends, and associates during this moment of grief.
Also, Mr Joseph Unogwu, Country Director, Agricultural Development for Economic Growth Initiative, expressed shock over the passing of Ogbeh.
Unogwu, who is the immediate past state coordinator for USAID’s Future Agricultural Extension Advisory Activities, said that Ogbeh’s benefactors would only draw solace from God, knowing that life will never last forever.
He stated that the late elder statesman impacted the nation in different ways.
“For us in the agricultural field, of course, he was a two-time Minister of Agriculture, and he played his part creditably well.
“We are trying to show that if we stay focused, we can believe in this country and achieve much for it.
“That is one hallmark about him that I will always remember: someone who believed deeply in this country, in the capacity we have as a people, and in the need for Nigeria to stand on its own in the community of nations in whatever we do.
“Definitely, the nation will miss him. But at the end of the day, it boils down to the fact that in God’s time, everybody must go.
“We condole with the family, with the nation, and with the people of the United States at large,” he added.
Chief Vitalis Tarnongu, Chief Executive Officer of Teryima Nigeria Ltd., an agricultural company, said that Ogbeh’s legacies in agriculture would remain indelible.
Tarnongu said that Ogbeh’s innovations would stand the test of time.
He further said that the former minister’s investment in the sector would continue to impact lives even now that he is dead.
“We worked closely in our efforts to ensure food security in Benue and beyond.
“His rich experience and fatherly guidance will be greatly missed,” he stated. (NAN)