The Arewa Consultative Forum has expressed deep sorrow over the demise of former Minister and elder statesman, Chief Audu Ogbeh, describing his passing as a great loss to the nation.

A statement by the ACF’s spokesman, Tanko Muhammad-Baba, described Mr Ogbeh as a committed nationalist, respected politician, and one of the Nigeria’s large-scale farmers.

The forum said Mr Ogbeh, 78, was a three-time minister and a former deputy speaker of the Benue House of Assembly.

Mr Ogbeh also served as the national chairman of the PDP and was conferred with the national honour of Officer of the Federal Republic.

The ACF noted that Mr Ogbeh served as chairman of the ACF’s National Executive Council between 2020 and 2023, and until his death, he was the deputy chairman of its advisory committee, planning its upcoming 25th anniversary celebration.

“ACF’s celebration of the late Chief Ogbeh is therefore one to a man who had paid his dues well. He was certainly a nationalist and a committed son of Arewa,” the statement stated.

The forum said Ogbeh lived a life of selfless service to Nigeria and humanity, and his contributions would be remembered by generations.

“His life was therefore well spent, led in the service of Nigeria, nay, humanity,” it added.

While extending its condolences to the bereaved family, ACF also sympathised with the government and people of Benue, the entire Arewa region and Nigeria at large.

The statement prayed to Almighty God to give his immediate family, loved ones and entire Nigerians the fortitude to bear the irrepressible loss.

(NAN)