A former Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, Audu Ogbeh, passed on on Saturday at the age of 78.
Here are some quick facts you should know about the late elder statesman:
Birth
Audu Innocent Ogbeh was born in Otukpo on July 28, 1947 to the family of late Pa Ejembi Ogbeh and Madam Egbi Ogbeh (nee Odinya), both of Efugo-Otukpa in the present day Ogbadibo Local Government Area of Benue State.
Education
He attended Kings College in Lagos and obtained his Higher School Certificate (HSC) in 1968 and proceeded the following year to Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria.
Between 1969 and 1972, Ogbeh got a Bachelor of Arts degree in French. He proceeded in 1973 to the University of Toulouse in France where he graduated in 1974 with a Masters of Letters degree in French literature.
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French Teacher
After his first degree, Ogbeh was employed as a teaching assistant by the Institute of Education, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, where he oversaw the teaching of French language in the northern states.
In 1977, after his Master’s degree, he was appointed as the Head of Department of Languages, Arts and Social Sciences at the Murtala College of Arts, Science and Technology; up until 1979.
Deputy Speaker, Three-Time Minister
In 1979, he contested for and won the election to the Benue State House of Assembly. As a member of the House, he was elected Deputy Speaker, a position he held until February 1982.
In 1982, he was appointed as Federal Minister of Communications by President Shehu Shagari of the Second Republic.
In 1983, he was reappointed as a Minister, with a new portfolio of Steel Development. He served here until the coup d’etat on December 31st 1983.
He later returned as agriculture minister from November 2015 to May 2019 during the first term of former President Muhammadu Buhari, who died on July 13, 2025.
Farmer
A farmer all through his life, Ogbeh set up rice mills, cashew plantations, poultry farms and more.
PDP Chairman
Ogbeh, the National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) between 2001 and 2005, played national politics beyond his state of origin in Benue, North Central Nigeria.
The Federal Government has appointed Professor Mathew Adamu as the new Acting Vice-Chancellor of the University of Abuja (now Yakubu Gowon University).
A statement by the Acting Registrar and Secretary to Council, Roseline Adakayi, said Adamu takes over from Professor Patricia Manko Lar, who was appointed for a six-month tenure in acting capacity in February 2025.
He will serve for three months, effective Monday, 11 August 2025.
The release states in part: “Adamu succeeds Professor Patricia Manko Lar, who was appointed Acting Vice-Chancellor for a six-month tenure. During her stewardship, Professor Lar provided purposeful leadership, fostered academic and administrative stability and, in concert with the relevant organs of the University, successfully initiated the selection process for the appointment of a substantive Vice-Chancellor.”
Adakayi noted that the new Acting VC is tasked with supporting the Governing Council, led by Senator Dr Olanrewaju Tejuoso, to conclude the ongoing process for appointing a substantive Vice-Chancellor in line with statutory provisions and guidelines.
She expressed the University community’s “sincere gratitude to Professor Lar for her dedicated service, visionary leadership, and unwavering commitment to excellence and institutional progress.”
The Acting Registrar wished Professor Adamu a successful tenure as he “steers the University forward during this transition period.”
Profile
Professor Mathew Adamu is a renowned veterinary scholar whose academic journey began with a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree in 1998, followed by a Master of Science in 2006, both from the University of Maiduguri. He later
obtained his PhD in Veterinary Surgery from the University of Pretoria, South Africa, in 2012.
Recognised for his outstanding contributions to the field, he became a Fellow of the College of Veterinary Surgeons of Nigeria and was promoted in 2019 to full professorship with specialisation in Veterinary Parasitology and Entomology (Helminthology).
With 27 years of experience as a registered veterinarian, Professor Adamu has developed a rich career spanning teaching, research, extension services, and both undergraduate and postgraduate supervision.
Having served as a Youth Corps Veterinarian and Corps Liaison Officer in Dan Musa, Katsina State, immediately after graduation, he practised privately in Minna, Niger State. In early 2006, he moved to the Nigeria Institute for Trypanosomiasis Research in Kaduna before joining the Federal University of Agriculture, Makurdi (now Joseph Sarwuan Tarka University) as a Lecturer II. There, he rose through the ranks to become a full Professor in 2019.
His tenure at Makurdi was defined by purposeful leadership in both academic and administrative realms. Between 2014 and 2018, he oversaw the Department of Veterinary Parasitology and Entomology while concurrently serving as Deputy Dean of the College of Veterinary Medicine from 2014 to 2016. He also served as Director of the Veterinary Teaching Hospital from 2018 to 2023, and subsequently as Dean of the College from March 2023 to the present.
Professor Adamu has supervised countless postgraduate students through substantial research initiatives culminating in master’s and doctoral degrees.
He is a member of several professional bodies, including the Nigerian Veterinary Medical Association, the Nigerian Society of Parasitologists, and President of the Veterinary Council of Nigeria, where he previously served as Vice President until March 2025.
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At the university level, he has held senior governance positions, including serving on the Senate, chairing the University Security Committee, and contributing to the Senate Business Committee and Deans and Directors’ forum. He has also served as an external examiner at both undergraduate and postgraduate levels across several Nigerian institutions, such as the Universities of Abuja, Nigeria, Nsukka, and Ibadan, as well as internationally at the University of Limpopo in South Africa.
The new Acting VC has also taken part in accreditation work of the NUC evaluations at the University of Benin and NBTE assessments at the Federal College of Animal Health in Plateau State, also contributing to the curriculum development for the College of Veterinary Medicine at the University of Agriculture in Zuru, Kebbi State.
Professor Adamu’s research output is extensive, with more than 50 scholarly publications in well-regarded journals and conference proceedings. He also holds a patented invention (South African Patent No. 2014/0547) for an “Anthelmintic Medicament,” recognised by South Africa’s Department of Science and Technology. In 2015, his doctoral research earned him the Bronze Medal for Best Thesis from the South African Association of Botanists.
His academic collaborations have led him to multiple countries, including the United States, Spain, South Africa, Lesotho, The Gambia, Senegal, and Côte d’Ivoire.
The Kebbi State Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Abubakar Kana, has stated that the presence of the newly formed coalition party, the African Democratic Congress (ADC), is of little relevance in the state.
He noted that only a few “immature youths” are promoting the ADC as if it were a child’s play.
Kana made the statement during the flag-off ceremony for the distribution of fertiliser and other farm inputs by the member representing Bagudu/Suru Federal Constituency, held in Kaoje town, Bagudu Local Government Area.
He emphasised that the APC remained the dominant political party in Kebbi State, adding that the state governor has performed excellently in his two years in office.
The party chairman, however, expressed concern over the behaviour of some APC members holding key positions in government, accusing them of neglecting their constituents.
“I am aware many have benefited from this government, yet they are unable to assist their people,” Kana said.
“What’s more painful is that some of them have relocated to the state capital and refuse to return to their communities, just to avoid helping them,” he added.
According to him, “If you receive one million naira, you can spend at least three hundred thousand to support your people; that small gesture can go a long way in reshaping our political structure.”
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The United States has clarified that its recent visa policy changes for Nigerians are not intended to punish applicants, but to improve security and service delivery.
In a joint press briefing in Abuja with the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, US Ambassador to Nigeria, Richard Mills, said the measures formed part of a global review of US visa operations.
“Let me be clear, the United States values its very strong relationship with Nigeria and the many kinds of connections that exist between our two countries. Visa compliance is a cornerstone of mutual trust and respect between our two nations. If you overstay, it can result in deportation and a lifetime ban on future travel to the US, which we don’t want to see Nigerian citizens face,” Mills said.
A file of the US Ambassador to Nigeria, Richard Mills.
He explained that the US still welcomes Nigerians for study, business, tourism, medical visits and family reunions, but expects visitors to obey visa regulations.
“We needed to address some of the security vulnerabilities we saw in our visa processing,” he added, noting that the Nigerian government is working to improve information-sharing, including access to criminal records.
The US embassy recently announced a reduction in the validity period and entry allowance for most non-immigrant and non-diplomatic visas issued to Nigerians. Mills urged applicants to be truthful in their submissions, warning that giving false information could lead to deportation or a lifetime travel ban.
On his part, Minister Mohammed Idris dismissed suggestions that the policy was discriminatory, describing the US as “a key partner in Nigeria’s social and economic development”.
“Myself and the ambassador just had a very useful and productive discussion about US visa laws and how to communicate to the Nigerian people the importance of compliance. The Federal Government will continue to work with the US mission to provide timely and accurate information on visa matters, particularly the importance of compliance,” he said.
The Kano State Governor, Alhaji Abba Yusuf, has laid off two senior aides over their roles in the controversial bail of a suspected drug baron and the diversion of palliative grains.
The action, announced in a statement by Secretary to the State Government (SSG) Alhaji Umar Farouk Ibrahim on Saturday, followed damning findings from investigative committees that probed the separate cases.
Sharada Indicted Over Drug Baron Bail
Abubakar Umar Sharada, Senior Special Assistant on Political Mobilisation, was shown the door after a Special Investigative Committee found him to be the “mastermind” behind securing bail for Sulaiman Aminu Danwawu, a suspected dangerous drug baron.
“The committee confirmed Sharada’s culpability through his own testimony, which established his direct involvement in the bail process,” the SSG revealed.
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Roba Dismissed Over Palliative Diversion
In a separate case, Tasiu Adamu Al’amin Roba, Senior Special Assistant in the Cabinet Office, was dismissed for allegedly rebagging palliative grains in 2024 at a Sharada warehouse.
“Roba has been arraigned in court and faces charges of theft and criminal conspiracy for diverting public assets,” Ibrahim said, adding that both men must return government property by Monday, August 11, 2025, and desist from parading themselves as public officials.
One Aide Cleared
However, the Governor exonerated Hon. Musa Ado Tsamiya, Special Adviser on Drainages, after an investigative committee cleared him of all allegations.
Governor Yusuf warned all appointees that the administration’s fight against corruption was not negotiable.
“Our commitment to discipline, transparency, and zero tolerance for corruption is unwavering. Public officials must uphold the highest standards of integrity both in their official duties and private lives,” he said.
The statement also warned members of the public against dealing with the sacked aides on any matter concerning the state government.
The Dangote Refinery has commenced phased receipt of the 4,000 Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) trucks as its petroleum products distribution operations are expected to kick off across the country.
The development forms part of the company’s logistics programme to herald product distribution this month.
The initiative hopes to transform the distribution landscape in Nigeria by reducing logistics costs and enhancing supply efficiency for customers.
In June, the Refinery said it invested over ₦720 billion to implement the landmark initiative for the nationwide distribution of petroleum products, which is expected to save Nigerians over ₦1. 7 trillion annually.
The initiative is also poised to significantly benefit over 42 million Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) by reducing energy costs and enhancing profitability.
The initiative, which eliminates transportation costs for fuel marketers and large-scale consumers, is expected to help reduce pump prices and inflation.
From 15 August, Dangote will begin the direct delivery of petrol and diesel to filling stations, industrial facilities, and other high-volume consumers.
According to a statement from the refinery, it aims to meet Nigeria’s daily consumption of 65 million litres of refined petroleum products. This includes 45 million litres of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), 15 million litres of diesel, and 5 million litres of aviation fuel.
With the average logistics cost estimated at ₦45 per litre, the refinery will cover over N1.07trn annually in free distribution expenses.
The ₦720 billion investment also includes the establishment of nationwide CNG ‘mother and daughter’ stations, among other infrastructure, to implement the free distribution initiative.
L-R: Global Co-Head, Corporate & Investment Banking CEO, Europe Americas, Middle East and Africa, Standard Chartered, Roberto Hoornweg; Managing Director & CEO Kenya and Africa, Standard Chartered, Kariuki Ngari; Chairman, African Industries Group, Raj Gupta; CEO & Head of CIB Coverage, Nigeria, Standard Chartered, Dalu Ajene; Honorable Minister of Industry, Trade, and Investment of Nigeria, Dr Jumoke Oduwole MFR; Global Co-Head Corporate & Investment Banking CEO, ASEAN, and South Asia, Standard Chartered, Sunil Kaushal; Founder & President/Chief Executive of the Dangote Group, Aliko Dangote and Senior Lecturer, Harvard Business School /Chairman, FSDH Group, Hakeem Belo-Osagie at the Standard Chartered Africa summit held in Lagos.
The strategic programme forms part of Dangote’s broader commitment to eliminating logistics bottlenecks, enhancing energy efficiency, promoting environmental sustainability, and supporting Nigeria’s economic development. The company noted that lower fuel distribution costs will help reduce production costs, ease inflationary pressures, and stimulate economic growth.
The initiative is also expected to resuscitate dormant filling stations, fostering job creation in the process. Over 15,000 direct jobs are projected to be created across the logistics chain, including drivers, station managers, and attendants at the CNG stations.
The refinery also emphasised that this programme would help curb cross-border smuggling of petroleum products and support a more efficient and environmentally friendly distribution system.
Presidential Endorsement And Industry Praise
The Presidency described the initiative as a pivotal moment in the Federal Government’s push to mainstream gas-powered transportation.
Commercial Coordinator of the Presidential Compressed Natural Gas Initiative (PCNGI), Tosin Coker, praised the move as a strong vote of confidence in Nigeria’s gas-fueled future.
FILE: A Dangote Refinery tanker
“Dangote Group’s acquisition of 4,000 CNG trucks is not only impressive in scale but also highly strategic,” he said. “It signals to the market that CNG is no longer a distant prospect but a current, practical solution to high energy costs, emissions, and supply chain challenges. PCNGI regards this as a milestone achievement in our efforts to accelerate gas-powered transport adoption.”
Time Resolution, Says IPMAN
The Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN) also commended the development, calling it a timely resolution to longstanding challenges in the downstream sector.
IPMAN’s National Publicity Secretary, Chinedu Ukadike, stated that the new model would significantly reduce logistical burdens for independent marketers by delivering more affordable fuel directly to filling stations.
Aliko Dangote and NNPC GCEO, Bayo Ojulari
“Our pipelines have been non-functional for years, yet nothing has been done to revive the infrastructure linking the country’s 21 depots. We’ve had to rely on expensive transport from coastal depots,” Ukadike said. “Dangote’s intervention lifts a huge burden off the shoulders of independent marketers.”
Development Economist and Policy Analyst, Professor Ken Ife, said the initiative would drive down the price of PMS and yield widespread benefits for Nigerians.
CEO, Financial Derivatives Company, Bismarck Rewane, dismissed concerns about the refinery becoming a monopoly, arguing that inefficiencies in the sector have been systemic and long-standing. He added that the scheme would help curb the parasitic role traditionally played by middlemen.
“What Dangote is doing achieves two key objectives: delivering products across the entire country at a uniform price by eliminating bridging costs, and significantly reducing logistics expenses through the use of CNG-powered trucks to reach every corner of the nation. “In economic terms, middlemen—who typically do not invest—are often viewed as parasitic, extracting margins simply for distributing goods. Dangote is bypassing this layer by directly handling distribution and, notably, providing credit facilities to the retail end of the business,” he said.
A file photo of Dangote and President Bola Tinubu.
Energy expert and co-founder of Dairy Hills, Kelvin Emmanuel, said Dangote’s decision to absorb logistics costs marks a turning point that could finally allow Nigerians to enjoy the benefits of local refining.
Energy analyst Ibukun Phillips described the move as “revolutionary”, suggesting it could reshape Nigeria’s energy sector by improving affordability and access, particularly in rural communities.
