Audu Ogbeh, former agriculture minister, dies at 78

Audu Ogbeh, minister of agriculture from 2015 to 2019 and former chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), has died at the age of 78.

In a statement issued by his family on Saturday morning, they said the PDP chieftain passed away peacefully in the early hours of the day.

“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,” the statement reads.

The family said funeral arrangements would be announced later, adding that they appreciated the prayers and support of friends and colleagues.

“We will appreciate some privacy at this time while we mourn the loss of our patriarch,” they said.

Ogbeh was PDP chairman from 2001 to 2005, during which the party held a majority of states and was in control of the federal government under the Olusegun Obasanjo administration.

Before then, he was minister of communications from 1982 to 1983 in the Shehu Shagari government, and had earlier served as deputy speaker of the Benue state house of assembly in the late 1970s.

He was regarded as one of the founding figures of the PDP because of his political influence.

His death comes a month after Nigeria lost Muhammadu Buhari, former president.