.. Aisha Adoke celebrate elder statesman, hail his contributions to governance, media and nation-building
By| Goodluck E.Adubazi, Abuja
As Brigadier General Jonathan Tunde Ogbeha (retd) clocks 79, tributes have continued to pour in for the former military administrator, politician, diplomat and elder statesman whose footprints in Nigeria’s political and socio-economic development remain significant.
Among those celebrating the former Senator representing Kogi West is Hon. Aisha Ibrahim Adoke, Okehi /Adavi House of Representatives Hopeful, popularly known as AIA, who joined the Kogi State chapter of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) in honouring the distinguished statesman on his 79th birthday.
In a congratulatory message made available to journalists on Tuesday, Adoke described Ogbeha as a remarkable Nigerian whose life of service has traversed the military, public administration, politics, diplomacy and the media.
She said his contributions to governance and nation-building had continued to inspire generations of leaders, describing him as a statesman whose wealth of experience, wisdom and counsel remained valuable to the country.
From Soldier to Statesman
Born in 1945, Ogbeha joined the Nigerian Army and was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant in 1970. He rose through the ranks and eventually retired from military service in 1992 with the rank of Brigadier General.
His military career saw him entrusted with important responsibilities, including serving as the Military Administrator of Akwa Ibom State and later Bendel State.
Beyond the barracks, however, Ogbeha would go on to carve an enduring niche for himself in Nigeria’s political history.
A Voice for Kogi
Adoke reflected on the day Ogbeha was elected to represent Kogi West Senatorial District in the Senate in 1999 under the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), serving two terms between 1999 and 2007.
During his eight years in the National Assembly, he became an influential voice in the politics of Kogi State and the wider North-Central region.
His political influence also extended beyond the Senate, where he emerged as a prominent leader and mobiliser, contributing to political engagement and grassroots development.
His role in the emergence of Kogi State also remains part of his political legacy. As a close associate and adviser to former military Head of State, General Ibrahim Babangida, Ogbeha was said to have played a role in lobbying and supporting the creation of Kogi State in 1991.
Building a Media Legacy
For a man who had always maintained a strong interest in the media, Ogbeha extended his influence into broadcasting with the establishment of the Confluence Cable Network (CCN) in Lokoja.
The initiative provided an alternative platform to the Nigerian Television Authority (NTA), contributing to the growth of private broadcasting and media development in Kogi State.
The establishment of CCN demonstrated another dimension of Ogbeha’s commitment to the development of his home state and his belief in the power of information and communication to influence society.
A Life of Service and Mentorship
At 79, Ogbeha’s journey offers a portrait of a man whose public life has spanned several critical phases of Nigeria’s history.
From his military service and role as a state administrator to his years in the Senate and subsequent involvement in politics and private enterprise, his career has reflected a continued engagement with national development.
For younger generations, his journey also represents a lesson in public service, leadership and the importance of experience in nation-building.
Adoke, who is an Okehi/Adavi House of Representatives hopeful, particularly praised Ogbeha’s commitment to mentorship and leadership.
She said that his ability to offer guidance and counsel remained an asset at a time when Nigeria needs experienced statesmen to help nurture the next generation of leader
As friends, political associates, admirers and people across Kogi State celebrate Senator Tunde Ogbeha at 79, the occasion goes beyond marking another year.
It is also an opportunity to reflect on a life dedicated to service and a career that has touched the military, public administration, politics, media and national development”, AIA added
Adoke prayed for continued good health, peace of mind, joy and renewed strength for the elder statesman, urging him to continue mentoring younger leaders and contributing his wealth of experience to the development of Nigeria.
At 79, Brigadier General Tunde Ogbeha (retd) stands as a notable figure in Kogi and Nigeria’s political history — a soldier who became a statesman, a politician who championed his people, and a media entrepreneur who helped broaden the information landscape of his state” Adoke stressed.
Happy 79th birthday to a distinguished soldier, statesman and nation-builder”, Hon. Aisha Ibrahim Adoke Okehi/Adavi House of Representatives Hopeful stated.
