Uchechukwu Sampson Ogah (born 22 December 1969) is the current Nigerian Minister of State for Mines and Steel Development. An oil magnate, entrepreneur, investor and philanthropist, Ogah is the President of Master Energy Group, a conglomerate with over 15 subsidiaries and interests across a variety of industries, amongst is Masters Energy Oil and Gas Ltd. Ogah holds the Nigerian national honor, the Officer of the Order of the Niger (OON). He was nominated for a ministerial appointment by President Muhammadu Buhari and was later appointed as Minister of State, Mines, and Steel Development on Wednesday, August 21, 2019.

Early life and education

Ogah was born to Chief Wilson, a sanitary inspector and retired railway staff, and Ezinne Pauline Ogah of Onuaku Uturu, Isuikwuato Local Government Area of Abia State.

Family life and career

Ogah is married to Ngozi Sabina Ogah, a financial analyst. Ogah spent 10 years in the banking sector. He started with his National Youth Service at NAL Bank PLC. Thereafter, he took up full employment at All States Trust Bank and spent about two years in the bank before joining Zenith Bank in 1997, where he rose to the position of Assistant General Manager (AGM) before resigning in 2007.

Philanthropy

He is said to have electrified villages in Uturu Community, built prototypal houses for the entire community, and also constructed a 5,000-capacity auditorium at Abia state University (ABSU) Uturu.

Politics

Ogah has contested for the seat of the governor of Abia state, twice, first under the Peoples Democratic Party and the ruling All Progressives Congress.

Ogah was nominated for ministerial appointment by President Muhammadu Buhari on July 23, 2019, along with 42 other nominees. During his senatorial screening on July 24, he narrated his plans on how to work on Nigerian refineries as well as his plans for the Nigerian currency rate. Ogah was confirmed for ministerial appointment by the Senate on July 30  and on August 21, 2019, was confirmed and sworn in as the Minister of State for Mines and Steel Development.

The Case of Forgery

According to the party, Ogah did so with the intent that it may be acted on as genuine. In the suit, the complainant stated that Ogah’s action is prejudicial to the party and its authentic governorship flag bearer in Abia State, High Chief Ikechi Emenike. The complainant said Ogah committed an offense contrary to Section 465 of the Criminal Code (as applicable in Abia) and punishable under Section 467. In her judgment, Ngozi N. Nwangwa, the Magistrate who presided over the matter, held that the respondent “is guilty as charged”. Nwangwa in her judgment said: “I am convinced that the defendant has no defense”. “I, hereby, commit Dr. Uche Ogah for the offense as charged.” She also ordered the relevant security agencies to arrest Ogah anywhere he is found and keep him in the nearest correctional center. Read more: https://www.legit.ng/politics/1508588-forgery-tension-court-sends-buharis-powerful-minister-prison/

Networth

He is estimated to be worth between $2m – $6m

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References