Dr. Uche Ogah Pays Emotional Tribute to Buhari, Describes Him as a Father Figure and incorruptible leader

Dr. Uchechukwu Sampson Ogah, former Minister of State for Mines and Steel Development, has described the late President Muhammadu Buhari as a symbol of integrity and national sacrifice, mourning his demise with deep emotion and personal reflections.

In a heartfelt tribute issued from his hometown in Uturu, Isuikwuato LGA of Abia State, Dr. Ogah lamented the passing of the former Nigerian leader, who died earlier today at the age of 82. Describing Buhari as "disciplined, visionary, and selfless," Uche Ogah declared that Nigeria had lost not just a former President, but a father figure who embodied the highest ideals of service.

"I am deeply pained by the loss of a man I had the honour of serving under - a leader who redefined integrity in public service. President Buhari was not just a statesman, but a father figure to many of us. His love for Nigeria was pure, his vision clear, and his dedication unquestionable," he stated.

Dr. Ogah, who served in Buhari's cabinet between 2019 and 2023, revealed that his personal experiences with the former president during their work on economic diversification were life-changing. He highlighted Buhari's pivotal role in transforming the mining and solid minerals sector-an area long overlooked by past administrations.

"President Buhari believed strongly in shifting Nigeria's dependence away from crude oil. Through his constant encouragement and unwavering support, we were able to initiate reforms that are now yielding tangible economic benefits,ÔÇØ Uche Ogah said.

He added that President Buhari's guidance gave him the courage to challenge the status quo, even when such decisions were unpopular. "He stood by the truth. He encouraged reform. And he reminded us that Nigeria must come first-always.ÔÇØ

Offering condolences to the Buhari family, the government and people of Katsina State, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the All Progressives Congress (APC), and Nigerians across the world, Dr. Ogah called on citizens to honour the late leader's legacy by upholding values of discipline, honesty, patriotism, and unity.

"This is a painful moment for our nation, but also a time to reflect on the principles he lived for. May his soul find eternal rest, and may Nigeria never forget the sacrifices he made for her progress,ÔÇØ he concluded.

Dr. Uche Ogah, a respected industrialist, philanthropist, and political leader, maintained a warm relationship with President Buhari even after leaving office. Sources close to the Abia-born technocrat revealed that Buhari's advice and mentorship shaped several of Ogah's post-cabinet initiatives and political philosophy.

Meanwhile, arrangements for President Buhari's burial are underway, with his body expected to be interred in his hometown, Daura, Katsina State, in accordance with Islamic rites. National honours will follow in Abuja and across the 36 states of the federation.

The death of President Muhammadu Buhari marks the end of an era-and as Nigeria mourns, leaders like Dr. Uche Ogah are calling on the nation to not just remember the man, but also uphold the values he stood for.