September 28, (THEWILL) — Benue State Governor, Rev. Fr. Hyacinth Alia, has called on the Federal Government to immortalise the late elder statesman, Chief Audu Ogbeh, with a posthumous national honour of Grand Commander of the Order of the Niger (GCON) in recognition of his immense contributions to Nigeria’s development.
Governor Alia, represented by his deputy, Dr. Sam Ode, made the call during Ogbeh’s burial at his country home in Ogbadibo Local Government Area of Benue State on Friday.
He further appealed to the Federal Government to establish and name an agricultural institute after Ogbeh to encourage Nigerian youths to embrace farming, noting that the former Minister of Agriculture championed agricultural reforms both in public service and through his private farms.
In his tribute, President Bola Tinubu, represented by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume, described the late Ogbeh as “a man of honour and peaceful disposition.”
He urged the family to emulate his virtues and uphold the legacy he left behind.
Chief Audu Ogbeh, during his lifetime, was elected into the Benue State House of Assembly, served as National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), and was later appointed Minister of Agriculture under former President Muhammadu Buhari.
Speaking on behalf of the family, Mr. Adegbe Ogbeh, son of the deceased, expressed gratitude to dignitaries and sympathisers who stood by them during their moment of grief, praying for God’s blessings upon them.
