The people of Benue State, the Igede Nation, and Nigerians nationwide are grieving the loss of Honourable (Mrs.) Comfort Agbo Agogo (née Ochuokpa), who passed away on July 6, 2025. Her departure marks the end of a remarkable era in public service, characterised by unwavering integrity, duty, and grace that influenced both governance and daily life.
Mrs. Agogo’s life was intertwined with that of her late husband, Hon. Ijogo Daniel Agogo. Together for over 35 years, they shared mutual respect and ideals. Following his death, she ardently pursued his vision, incorporating his values of community service into her leadership. Her family life provided the strength to serve her people with both firmness and compassion.
Born on November 23, 1954, in Andibilla-Ibilla, Oju Local Government Area, Mrs. Agogo transformed her Igede heritage into a source of empowerment. In 2003, she became Benue State’s first Igede female Permanent Secretary, inspiring countless young women. Her legacy extended beyond breaking barriers; she built systems for lasting change.
Championing literacy for Igede girls, she sponsored many through higher education and established skills-training programmes for widows and women statewide. As the first female Chairman of the Benue State Civil Service Commission (2011-2016), she implemented merit-based recruitment, increasing female representation in public service—a change that continues to impact opportunities today.
Former Deputy Governor Hon. Benson Abounu recalled a pivotal moment when she urged the governor to act compassionately during a staffing crisis. “These are not mere employees,” she asserted. “They are your children. Do right by them as you would your own.” Her intervention preserved livelihoods and exemplified her belief that leadership embodies motherhood—protective, principled, and just.
Mrs. Agogo’s Christian faith was central to her existence. As a life member of The Gideons International, she viewed the Bible as a guide for social responsibility. She played a significant role in establishing the Children Evangelical Mission in Ankpa and other areas in Kogi State, serving for years as a Sunday school and Bible club teacher. Her ministry combined teaching with practical support, ensuring spiritual guidance was matched with real assistance.
She is survived by six distinguished children—Barrister Inori Mairi Agogo-Amara, Pioneer Director of Legal Services at Joseph Sarwuan Tarka University, Makurdi; Dr. Emmanuel Agogo, global health security expert and Director of Pandemic Threats at FIND; Mr. Stephen Otumala Agogo, Renewable Energy Consultant; Prof. Naomi Onyeje Doki, first female Professor of Economics at Benue State University; Dr. Hezekiah Ogo Agogo, Senior Lecturer in Chemical Engineering at Baze University, Abuja; and Dr. David Ijuo Agogo, Professor of Information Systems at the University of Utah, USA—alongside sixteen grandchildren who will carry her values forward.
Laid to rest on August 1, 2025, Mrs. Comfort Agogo leaves an enduring legacy in civil service, as a reformer who fostered a gender-inclusive bureaucracy; in Igede land, as a mentor preparing a new generation of women leaders; and in faith, as a model for translating belief into social action.
Her often-quoted words resonate as a fitting tribute: “Leadership is sacrifice wrapped in grace—the strong must lift, the blessed must give, the wise must serve.”
Benue State has lost a mother, mentor, and pioneer. Heaven has welcomed a devoted servant. May her soul rest in peace.
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