The Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Senator George Akume, has expressed deep sadness over the demise of Chief Audu Ogbeh, saying, “Benue and Nigeria have lost one of the most outstanding statesmen in his generation.”
Akume stated this in a chat with the group known as Recognise Etulo (RE) led by its Convener, Ebe Yohanna-Ebe, during a courtesy visit to the SGF in Abuja Thursday.
Similarly, Recognise Etulo, a socio-cultural organisation in Benue state, has also described the demise of Ogbeh as “a great loss of one of the modern fathers of our nation whose wisdom, wise counsel and patriotic services will be truly missed.”
The SGF said Ogbeh, whose remains will be laid to rest today at Efugo Otukpa in Ogbadibo local government are of Benue state, is “A rare statesman who was deeply patriotic; a man who served this nation selflessly with a strong character, integrity, love, peace and humility.
“His political, public service, intellectual, socio-cultural and entrepreneurial legacies are monumental.
“He was by my side when I visited Yelwata in Benue State during the unfortunate mass killings. It is a heavy loss to me, a great loss to his family, Idoma nation, Benue State, Nigeria, and of course, humanity”, he said.
Akume acknowledged how much Ogbeh worked, prayed and hoped to see a better Nigeria he so much loved as his last interview with Daily Trust showed.
He however expressed optimism that Ogbeh’s labour and that of other Nigerians who made, and are still making sacrifices for better Nigeria, will not be in vain as the present administration is working towards giving Nigerians a better future.
“There is hope for Nigeria, and the sacrifices of Ogbeh and other compatriots will not be in vain.
”The administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is working tirelessly, engaging in painful but decisive reforms to lay a solid foundation for present and future Nigeria.
“Counting on Nigerians’ support for government policies and programmes, and by the grace of God, Nigeria shall be great and will find its rightful place among the comity of nations,” he said.
In his remark, Yohanna-Ebe, who is also the Creative Director of Grey Moustache Fashion, condoled with the SGF, the immediate family of Ogbeh, Idoma people, Benue state and Nigeria, and assured the SGF of the support of his organisation on all policies and programmes of the Tinubu administration.
“The Nigerian youths will continue to support you and the Tinubu government, because the legacies of our late father and statesman, Chief Audu Ogbeh, and that of your humble self, will continue to inspire us the younger generation valuable lessons in patriotic service to the nation,” Yohanna-Ebe said.
