By Ehichioya Steve Odion
Nigerians in the Diaspora Chamber of Commerce (NiDCC) in Washington DC/Abuja, Nigeria has extended its deepest condolences to the family and admirers of Chief Audu Innocent Ogbeh, former Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, who died recently at the age of 78.
The organization extends its heartfelt condolences to his family, the people of Benue State, and Nigerians both home and abroad, adding that his passage is a profound loss to our nation.
This was contained in a press statement signed by the President/CEO Nigerians in Diaspora Chamber of Commerce (NIDCC), Patience Ndidi Ofure Key and made available to Journalists in Nigeria.
"Chief Ogbeh was a principled statesman and an unwavering advocate for Nigeria’s agricultural renaissance. He championed a strategic shift that treated agriculture as a growth industry—driving policy coherence, market confidence, and farmer-focused reforms. His leadership helped refocus national attention on food security, rural livelihoods, and agro-industrial value chains.
"He championed policies that encouraged local production, strengthened small holder resilience, and attracted private investment into processing, storage, and market access—laying foundations that continue to support jobs, stabilize prices, and catalyze enterprise across the country
"From promoting backward integration and import substitution to urging improved extension services, mechanization, input availability, and youth participation. Chief Ogbeh consistently argued that a strong agricultural base is essential to Nigeria’s economic sovereignty. His voice—firm, thoughtful, and patriotic—elevated agriculture from a subsistence conversation to a strategic growth agenda".
She said during his era we also saw pivotal input-market reforms, including the 2016 Presidential Fertilizer Initiative (PFI), which revived moribund blending plants and expanded affordable access to quality fertilizer for smallholders—laying foundations for increased productivity.
Patience Ndidi said Chief Audu Ogbeh understood that food security is economic security. “He pushed for practical solutions—stronger value chains, affordable inputs, and export ambition—so farmers could earn more, industries could invest with confidence, and Nigerians could rely on a more resilient food system. The diaspora business community salutes his vision and service.”
Continuing, she said the diaspora business community described his legacy as a call to deepen investment in agribusiness, logistics, technology, and finance that connect farmers to markets at home and abroad.she added that the organization honor his service by accelerating the inclusive, sustainable transformation he envisioned.
The Chief Executive Officer further said that NiDCC will honor Chief Ogbeh’s legacy by mobilizing diaspora capital and expertise into agribusiness processing, storage and cold-chain logistics, input manufacturing, extension technology, and export standards—the very levers he consistently championed for an inclusive and self-reliant agricultural economy.
While the organization prayed for the peaceful repose of his noble soul, they equally wish that his enduring contributions continue to inspire leaders, policymakers, and entrepreneurs to build a self-reliant, food-secure Nigeria.
The Nigerians in Diaspora Chamber of Commerce connects people, capital, and ideas across continents—accelerating trade, investment, and innovation that create jobs and shared prosperity.
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