By Our Correspondent

Nigeria has lost one of its seasoned politicians and elder statesmen, Chief Audu Ogbeh, who passed away on Saturday at the age of 78.

A statement issued by the Ogbeh family confirmed that the former minister and one-time National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) died peacefully.

Ogbeh, whose political career spanned over four decades, served the nation in various capacities. He was Minister of Communications during the Second Republic and later Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development from 2015 to 2019, where he championed agricultural reforms and food security initiatives.

As PDP National Chairman from 2001 to 2005, Ogbeh played a significant role in shaping the party’s policies and navigating complex political transitions. His leadership was often described as principled, with a focus on party discipline and national unity.

Born on July 28, 1947, in Benue State, Ogbeh began his career as an academic before venturing into politics. He was widely respected for his eloquence, policy knowledge, and commitment to Nigeria’s development.

Tributes have begun pouring in from across the political spectrum, with leaders describing him as a man of integrity, intellect, and unwavering patriotism.

Funeral arrangements, according to the family, will be announced in due course.

By Our Correspondent

Innalillahi Wa Inna Ilaihi Raji’un. The academic community in Gombe State and across Nigeria is mourning the death of Prof. Alhassan Mohammed Gani, the immediate past Vice Chancellor of the Federal University of Kashere (FUK), who passed away this morning at Nizamiye Hospital, Abuja.

According to family sources, the late professor had been battling a brief illness before his demise. His funeral prayer (Janazah) is scheduled to take place later today in Bauchi State, where he will be laid to rest in accordance with Islamic rites.

A Legacy of Academic Excellence

Prof. Gani, who served as the Vice Chancellor of FUK from 2016 to 2021, is remembered for his remarkable contributions to the growth and development of the institution. Under his leadership, the university recorded significant infrastructural expansion, improved academic programmes, and strengthened partnerships with local and international bodies.

Colleagues and former students describe him as a visionary leader, dedicated teacher, and a humble mentor who left an indelible mark on higher education in Nigeria.

Condolences Pour In

Since the news of his passing broke, tributes have been pouring in from government officials, academics, students, and community leaders. Many have taken to social media to express their grief and share fond memories of the late scholar.

The Management of Federal University of Kashere is expected to issue an official statement in the coming hours, while special prayer sessions are already being organized by students and alumni in his honour.

Prayers for the Departed

“May Almighty Allah forgive his shortcomings, illuminate his grave, and grant him Aljannatul Firdausi,” one of the family members said.

Prof. Alhassan Gani’s passing is seen as a great loss not only to Gombe State but also to Nigeria’s academic community.

By Our Correspondent

The medical and academic communities across Nigeria are in mourning following the passing of Professor Garba Danjuma Kalayi, a distinguished surgeon, medical educator, and pioneer Provost of the College of Medical Sciences, Gombe State University (GSU). He died earlier today, Monday, July 14, 2025, at the Federal Teaching Hospital (FTH), Gombe, at the age of 74.

A Janazah (funeral) prayer has been scheduled for Tuesday, July 15, 2025, at 1:00 PM at the Federal Teaching Hospital Gombe, In shaa Allah.

A Life of Excellence and Dedication

Born on February 13, 1951, in Difa, Yamaltu-Deba Local Government Area of Gombe State, Prof. Kalayi’s journey of excellence began early. He attended Junior Primary School, Difa (1958–1961), followed by Senior Primary School, Gombe (1962–1964). His secondary education took him to Government College, Keffi (1965–1969) and Government Secondary School, Yola (1970–1971).

He proceeded to Ahmadu Bello University (ABU), Zaria, where he obtained his MB.BS in 1977, followed by advanced training at the University of Edinburgh and the Royal College of Surgeons in the United Kingdom from 1982 to 1985.

He became a Fellow of the Medical College of Surgeons (FMCS) in 1989 and was inducted into the West African College of Surgeons (FWACS) in 1990.

Career and Contributions

Professor Kalayi began his medical career as a House Officer at Ahmadu Bello University Teaching Hospital (ABUTH), Zaria in 1977 and steadily rose through the ranks. He served in various roles including:

Senior Lecturer in Surgery

Consultant Surgeon

Ag. Head, Department of Anaesthesia, ABUTH

Executive Registrar and Senior Registrar, Department of Surgery

Member, Medical Advisory Committee, ABUTH

His national service took him to Yaba College of Technology, Lagos (1978–1979). In academia, he was known for co-authoring critical research publications, including Wilms Tumour in Zaria (Nigerian Journal of Surgery, 1996) and Urethroplasty in Zaria (East African Medical Journal, 1998).

Prof. Kalayi’s crowning achievement came when he was appointed the pioneer Provost of the College of Medical Sciences at Gombe State University, where he laid the academic and institutional foundation that continues to guide the faculty to this day.

Service and Legacy

He was a committed member of professional and Islamic medical bodies, including the Nigerian Medical Association, Medical and Dental Consultants Association of Nigeria, Nigerian Surgical Research Society, and the Islamic Medical Association of Nigeria (where he served on the Shura Committee from 1989). From 1990–1997, he was Welfare Secretary of the MDCAN, Zaria Branch.

For his service to community and state, he was conferred with the traditional title “Danmasanin Difa” in the year 2000.

Personal Life

Prof. Kalayi was married to Maryam on December 21, 1981, and is survived by three sons and two daughters. He was known for his love of reading, football, hockey, and watching television.

Outpouring of Tributes

From students and colleagues to government officials and traditional rulers, tributes have continued to pour in, praising his humility, brilliance, and unwavering commitment to knowledge and service. Many recall his firm but fatherly approach to mentorship, and his influence spans generations of doctors and surgeons trained under his guidance.

Final Farewell

The government of Gombe State, management of Gombe State University, Ahmadu Bello University Teaching Hospital, and several medical associations have expressed deep condolences to his family and the people of Yamaltu-Deba and Gombe at large.

May Allah (SWT) forgive his shortcomings, grant him eternal peace, and admit him into Al-Jannatul Firdaus. Ameen.

For further tributes or inquiries, the family can be reached via Alhaji Abubakar Difa, P.O. Box 99, Gombe.