A Heartfelt Tribute and Profound Condolence on the Passing and Burial of Chief Audu Innocent Ogbeh
A Heartfelt Tribute and Profound Condolence on the Passing and Burial of Chief Audu Innocent Ogbeh
….Sonny Echono’s Ode to Chief Audu Ogbeh
Dear Adegbe, and to the entire esteemed Ogbeh family,
It is with the deepest sorrow and a profound sense of personal loss that I extend my heartfelt condolences on the passing of my cherished “Uncle,” mentor, guardian, and leader, Chief Audu Innocent Ogbeh.
His sudden departure has left an indelible void, a silence that will resonate deeply within the hearts of many, most especially across the Idoma nation, for he was, without question, a paragon of visionary leadership and an unyielding advocate for the enduring progress of our beloved Nigeria.
Throughout his distinguished and impactful career, Chief Ogbeh consistently embodied remarkable courage and unwavering patriotism. He dedicated himself tirelessly to the pursuit of fair, equitable, and balanced development for our nation.
His unwavering commitment to excellence, coupled with his profound dedication to public service, did not merely shape policies; it ignited a spark, inspiring countless generations of Nigerian patriots to strive for greatness and to contribute meaningfully to the nation’s advancement.
The breadth of his service across several strategic and influential positions stands as a powerful testament to his dedication and the considerable impact he wrought upon our society. From his roles as **Minister of Communications**, where he navigated the burgeoning digital landscape, to his transformative tenure as **Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development**, where his visionary policies laid the groundwork for renewed growth and food security, his influence was keenly felt.
Furthermore, his leadership as **National Chairman of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP)**, **Deputy Speaker of the Benue House of Assembly**, and his influential position as **Chairman of the Arewa Consultative Forum** each bore the hallmark of his resolute character and an exemplary service ethos that consistently sought to uplift and unify our communities.
Chief Ogbeh’s legacy is intrinsically woven with threads of integrity, profound compassion, and a relentless pursuit of excellence.
I vividly recall a deeply personal conversation with President Muhammadu Buhari, GCFR, of blessed memory, in June 2015. He confided in me, stating with conviction, “I will give you a man with the integrity of Audu Ogbeh as your minister.” This sentiment was later validated when, just five months thereafter, I had the distinct privilege of formalizing the handover process at the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, where he had been appointed.
His visionary approach to leadership during that critical period not only transformed vital sectors but also fostered a palpable sense of unity and enduring hope among the people he served. He will forever be remembered not merely as a leader, but as a guiding light for many who aspire to emulate his exemplary path.
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As you navigate this period of profound grief, I implore you to find solace in the incredible and enduring legacy he leaves behind, and in the countless lives he so positively impacted. Many of you will undoubtedly recall my last extensive meeting with him at your Abuja residence, a gathering that occurred barely two weeks before his untimely demise. Interwoven between discussions of serious national and personal matters were moments of laughter, shared jokes, fond reminiscences, and his ever-present, fatherly counsel. These are treasured memories that will forever be etched in my mind.
Our thoughts and prayers are with you, the entire family, during this incredibly difficult time. I extend my deepest sympathies to all his family members, dear friends, and respected colleagues.
As people of faith, we accept this latest challenge with humility, renewing our trust in God’s divine plan. May He console and comfort us all, and may the soul of Chief Audu Innocent Ogbeh rest in eternal peace.
Amen.
Yours sincerely,
Arc. Sonny S. Echono, OON
