Governor Hyacinth Alia has shared his profound sadness regarding the passing of elder statesman and former Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, Chief Innocent Audu Ogbeh, who left us on Saturday, August 9, 2025, at the age of 78.
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In a condolence message released this morning, the governor referred to the news of Chief Ogbeh’s death as heartbreaking, highlighting his remarkable political career that began in 1979 when he was elected to the Benue State House of Assembly under the National Party of Nigeria, NPN, where he served as Deputy Speaker.
Governor Alia lauded the late Ogbeh’s distinguished career as a politician, former Federal Minister of Communications, former Minister of Steel Development, and one-time National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, in addition to being a respected farmer and playwright.
He remarked that the esteemed leader “lived a fulfilled life and earned the admiration of many,” emphasizing that his contributions will always be remembered.
The governor offered prayers for God’s comfort for the grieving family, the Idoma nation, the people of Benue, and Nigeria, as well as for the eternal peace of Chief Ogbeh’s soul.
In a separate condolence message, Governor Alia also expressed his sorrow over the passing of Dr. Ade Ishoribo, Executive Secretary of the Benue State Examinations Board, who died on Friday, August 8, 2025.
He praised Dr. Ishoribo as “a gentleman whose leadership at the State Examinations Board had already begun yielding positive results,” expressing regret that his life and service were cut short unexpectedly.
The governor prayed for strength for his family, colleagues at the Benue State Examinations Board, and the people of Guma LGA to cope with the loss, while also asking God to grant the deceased eternal rest.
Additionally, the governor has sent a delegation, led by his Chief of Staff, Moses Atagher, to the Ishoribo family to express the condolences of the government and the people of Benue State regarding the passing of the former Chairman of Guma Local Government Council.”