Former Minister of Labour and Employment, Chris Ngige, has paid glowing tribute to the late Chief Audu Ogbeh, describing him as a rare statesman, intellectual force and precious gem whose voice and wisdom will be deeply missed.
Speaking on Monday at a night of tributes held at the International Conference Centre, Abuja, Ngige said Ogbeh’s influence in government was quiet yet commanding.
“People underrated Audu because he is slim and soft-spoken,” Ngige said.
“They think I’m the warrior because I have a beard and raise my voice. But when Audu speaks, his clarity and depth are unmatched.”
Ngige recalled how Ogbeh often stood out during presentations at the Federal Executive Council (FEC) meetings, leaving colleagues stunned by his knowledge and speed of delivery.
According to him, even former Secretaries to the Government of the Federation, Babachir Lawal and Boss Mustapha, frequently turned to Ogbeh for clarity.
“After council meetings, they would go to his office to ask him to repeat everything,” Ngige said. “His speed and knowledge were overwhelming.”
The former labour minister hailed Ogbeh as one of Nigeria’s finest minds, noting his eloquence, brilliance, and vast knowledge.
Calling him a precious gem, Ngige stressed that Nigeria had lost more than a politician, but a man of intellect and uncommon wisdom whose contributions will remain relevant.
Message to the Founding Fathers
Ngige imagined Ogbeh’s reunion with Nigeria’s departed national icons, urging him to inform them about the state of Nigeria.
He said: “Audu, you are already there with Nnamdi Azikiwe, Ahmadu Bello, Obafemi Awolowo and the rest. Lecture them a little but tell them things are still bad in Nigeria, even if not worse.”
Naijaonpoint reports that Ogbeh, who recently died at the age of 78, was a former National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and served as Minister of Agriculture under President Muhammadu Buhari.
He is remembered as a patriot, reformer, and thinker whose imprint on Nigeria’s political and agricultural landscape remains indelible.
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