Shettima: Nigeria Has Lost One Of Its Most Visionary Leaders In Audu Ogbeh 

* Leads FG’s delegation to late ex-minister’s family 

Deji Elumoye in Abuja 

Vice-President Kashim Shettima on Monday expressed deep sorrow over the demise of the former Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, Chief Audu Ogbeh, saying Nigeria has lost one of its most visionary leaders.

He described Ogbeh’s death as an irreparable loss to Nigeria’s agricultural transformation drive and national development trajectory.

Speaking when he led the Federal Government delegation on a condolence visit to the family of the late former Minister of Agriculture in Abuja, the vice-president noted that the late Ogbeh’s contributions to food security and rural development will forever remain etched in the country’s development history.

He eulogized the late elder statesman, who passed away peacefully on Saturday at the age of 78, maintaining that he is among the great statesmen whose dedication to agricultural renaissance touched millions of farming families across Nigeria.

According to Shettima, “We are here at the behest of President Bola Tinubu to convey our heartfelt condolences to the family, the government and people of Benue State over the sad demise of our elder statesman, Chief Audu Ogbeh.

“We have not just lost a former minister; we have lost an irreplaceable institution whose vision and pragmatic approach to agricultural development transformed the landscape of our farming communities.”

He described Ogbeh as a transformational leader whose legacy transcends political affiliations and regional boundaries, noting that his contributions to Nigeria’s quest for food security represent a blueprint for sustainable agricultural development.

The vice-president noted that Ogbeh’s approach to agricultural development was characterized by integrity, dedication and an unwavering commitment to the welfare of Nigerian farmers and rural dwellers.

“He was a most committed advocate of agricultural transformation who endeared himself to many with his wisdom, pragmatism and genuine concern for the well-being of farming families. His demise represents a collective loss to our entire agricultural ecosystem,” Shettima added.

Offering prayers for the repose of the deceased’s soul, the vice-president expressed confidence that Ogbeh’s legacy would continue to inspire future generations of agricultural practitioners and policymakers.

“We are comforted by the many lives he touched and the enduring example he set. His legacy of integrity, service and dedication to our nation will continue to guide our agricultural transformation efforts,” Shettima remarked.

“I pray that Almighty Allah will forgive his shortcomings and grant him Aljannah Firdaus. May Allah also grant the family, the government and people of Benue State, and indeed the entire nation the fortitude to bear this irreparable loss,” the vice-president further said. 

The post Shettima: Nigeria Has Lost One Of Its Most Visionary Leaders In Audu Ogbeh  appeared first on THISDAYLIVE.

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    * Both leaders to witness signing of MoUs by Nigeria and Brazil

    Deji Elumoye in Abuja 

    President Bola Tinubu Monday morning arrived in Brasília, Brazil, to commence a state visit.

    The president, who flew in from Los Angeles, United States, according to a release issued by presidential spokesperson, Bayo Onanuga, was received by senior Brazilian government officials at the Brasília Air Base.

    The officials included Ambassador Carlos Sérgio Sobral Duarte, Secretary for Africa and the Middle East and Ambassador Carlos José Areias Moreno Garcete, Ambassador of Brazil to Nigeria.

    Nigeria’s Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Bianca Ojukwu, was also at the Air Base reception.

    Other ministers, heads of key government agencies and private sector members, who will participate in a string of bilateral talks and Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) signings, later welcomed President Tinubu to his hotel.

    The official welcoming ceremony, with full military honours, will take place later on Monday at the Planalto Palace.

    At the Planalto, President Tinubu and his Brazilian counterpart;  Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, will hold a tête-à-tête, followed by expanded bilateral meetings attended by senior officials of both governments.

    The leaders will witness the signing of MoUs and address a joint press conference afterwards.

    During the state visit, President Tinubu will meet with the President of the Brazilian Senate at the National Congress, the President of the Chamber of Deputies, and the President of the Supreme Federal Court.

    He will also participate in the Nigeria-Brazil Business Forum as part of a packed programme in Brasília on Monday.

    Nigeria and Brazil share longstanding cordial diplomatic relations from the early 1960s.

    Nigeria formally established its Embassy in Brazil on October 18, 1966, while Brazil was the only Latin American country to participate in Nigeria’s independence celebrations on October 1, 1960.

    Since President Tinubu’s inauguration on May 29, 2023, high-level engagements have strengthened ties between the two countries.

    Most recently, President Tinubu led Nigeria’s delegation to the BRICS Leaders’ Summit in Rio de Janeiro in July 2025 and, on President Lula’s invitation, attended the G20 Summit in Brazil in November 2024.

    Brazilian Vice-President Geraldo Alckmin and his wife, Maria Lúcia Alckmin, visited Abuja for the Second Session of the Mechanism for Strategic Dialogue from June 25–26, 2025.

    Nigeria’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Yusuf Maitama Tuggar, participated in the BRICS Foreign Ministers’ Summit in Rio de Janeiro from April 28–29, 2025, while the Brazilian Foreign Minister, Mauro Vieira, paid an official visit to Abuja on March 12, 2025.

    Nigeria and Brazil signed an MoU in 2013 to establish the Mechanism for Strategic Dialogue to foster cooperation in agriculture, trade, defence, energy, education, power, petroleum and mining.

    The dialogue is co-chaired by the vice-presidents of both countries and alternates annually.

    The Second Session of the Mechanism for Strategic Dialogue occurred in Abuja from June 23–25, 2025 and resulted in the signing of seven MoUs, including agreements on the Strategic Dialogue Mechanism Cooperation Renewal, Defence Cooperation, Energy, Tourism, Audio-Visual Co-Production, Livestock Development, and Counternarcotics.

    Brazil is a key partner in Nigeria’s food security programme. The $2.5 billion JBS investment to strengthen food security and develop sustainable supply chains was signed in Brazil during President Tinubu’s participation at the 2024 G20 Leaders’ Summit.

    The project aims to boost local production and create job opportunities for the Nigerian youth.

    The Green Imperative Programme (GIP), a $1.1 billion agricultural mechanisation project launched in 2019, is also on course. 

    It aims to supply 10,000 tractors and 50,000 units of farm equipment for assembly in Nigeria.

    The post Tinubu Arrives Brazil On State Visit, To Hold Bilateral Talks With President Da Silva  appeared first on THISDAYLIVE.

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    * Both leaders to witness signing of MoUs by Nigeria and Brazil Deji Elumoye in Abuja  President Bola Tinubu Monday morning arrived in Brasília, Brazil, to commence a state visit.
    The post Tinubu Arrives Brazil On State Visit, To Hold Bilateral Talks With President Da Silva  appeared first on THISDAYLIVE.

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