The Nigerian Association of Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (NACCIMA) mourns the passing of Chief Audu Innocent Ogbeh—a distinguished statesman whose life epitomized the very core of our organization’s mission.
On August 9, 2025, Nigeria bid farewell not only to a former Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development but to a visionary leader who deeply understood that the strength of a nation lies in the harmonious interplay of commerce, industry, and agriculture.
Chief Ogbeh’s journey—from the academic halls of King’s College Lagos and Ahmadu Bello University to the political corridors of power, culminating in the fertile farmlands of his beloved Benue State—mirrors the multifaceted economic potential of Nigeria.
Born on July 28, 1947, in Benue State, he embodied the entrepreneurial spirit that NACCIMA has championed since its establishment in 1960. His life demonstrated that true leadership arises not merely from the pursuit of power but from a committed dedication to serving humanity through productive endeavours.
As Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development from 2015 to 2019 under President Muhammadu Buhari, Chief Ogbeh brought to office a rare blend of practical farming experience and policy insight. His appointment was a recognition of his profound grasp of the agricultural challenges confronting the nation. Through his stewardship, history will remember him for zealously championing reforms aimed at transforming Nigeria’s agricultural landscape, understanding that food security is inseparable from national stability and economic prosperity.
The late Chief Ogbeh appreciated what many in authority often overlook: sustainable development demands a careful balance between agricultural productivity, industrial expansion, and commercial viability. His establishment of Efugo Farms in Makurdi was more than a business venture—it was a demonstration that leaders must lead by example. Through his rice mills, cashew plantations, and poultry operations, he showcased the conviction that Nigeria’s salvation lies not in importing what it can produce locally, but in disciplined cultivation and processing of our homegrown resources.
His intellectual breadth was remarkable—a man who could engage in French literature with the same passion he brought to discussions on rice production or political strategy. His artistic soul was revealed through five plays, including The Epitaph of Simon Kisulu, staged at the Muson Centre, Lagos, highlighting that cultural expression and economic development are not mutually exclusive but mutually reinforcing forces in nation-building.
Chief Ogbeh’s service extended beyond Nigeria’s borders. As a member of the Eisenhower Exchange Fellowships and recipient of numerous international honors, he showcased the finest of Nigerian scholarship and leadership on the global stage. Yet, he never lost sight of his roots or his unwavering commitment to the development of his local community in Efugu-Otukpa.
As we bid farewell to this colossus, NACCIMA remembers Chief Audu Innocent Ogbeh not merely as a former minister or party chairman, but as the embodiment of the productive citizen—one who understood that true wealth arises from the union of intellect and industry, vision and hard work. His life is a reminder that leadership is not the accumulation of titles but the transformation of ideas into tangible societal benefits.
To his beloved wife, Justina Obehi, his children, and the entire Ogbeh family, NACCIMA extends its deepest condolences. May the seeds of progress he sowed continue to germinate, and may his legacy inspire future generations of leaders to prioritize the productive sectors of our economy.
Chief Audu Innocent Ogbeh has ploughed his final furrow on this earthly plane, but the harvest of his ideas, courage, and commitment to excellence will nourish Nigeria for generations to come. In honoring his memory, we recommit ourselves to the ideals he embodied: integrity in leadership, excellence in service, and an unwavering belief in the productive capacity of the Nigerian people.
May his soul rest in perfect peace, and may his example continue to guide us in our mission to build a prosperous and equitable Nigeria.
Engr. Jani Ibrahim, mni
President, Nigerian Association of Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (NACCIMA).