Kogi State Governor, Ahmed Usman Ododo, has declared a three-day mourning period in honour of former Governor Ibrahim Idris, who died recently, describing his passing as a major loss to Kogi State and the nation.
The governor also directed that the national flag and the Kogi State flag be flown at half-mast in government offices and other designated public institutions throughout the mourning period.
Governor Ododo announced the decision in a statement issued on Sunday by the Commissioner for Information and Communications, Kingsley Femi Fanwo.
As part of the state’s tribute, the governor approved a state burial for the late former governor. He said the Kogi State Government would bear all burial expenses and make the necessary arrangements to give him a farewell worthy of a former governor.
Before the announcement, Governor Ododo visited the residence of the deceased in Kogi State, where he condoled with members of the Ibrahim Idris family.
In a condolence letter to the family, the governor described the late Idris as one of Kogi’s distinguished sons whose years of public service left a lasting mark on the state.
According to him, Ibrahim Idris dedicated a significant part of his life to serving the people and contributed to the growth of Kogi State during his time in office.
Reflecting on the late governor’s administration, Ododo noted that his government recorded interventions in infrastructure, education, healthcare and other key sectors, saying those efforts would remain part of the state’s development history.
According to the governor, beyond the projects executed during his administration, Ibrahim Idris would be remembered for his commitment to public service and the responsibilities entrusted to him.
“His years in public office formed an important chapter in the political and developmental journey of Kogi State,” Governor Ododo said.
He urged the family to take comfort in the lasting memories of the late governor’s service and the positive impact he made on many lives.
The governor added that while Kogi State mourns the former governor, his death also offers an opportunity to reflect on a life devoted to public service and the development of the state.
On behalf of the government and people of Kogi State, Ododo extended his condolences to the Idris family, friends, political associates and all those grieving the former governor.
He also prayed for Allah to forgive the shortcomings of the deceased, grant him Aljannatul Firdaus and give his family and the people of Kogi State the strength to bear the loss.
Ibrahim Idris served as Governor of Kogi State from 2003 to 2011. During his two terms in office, his administration implemented projects across infrastructure, education, healthcare and other sectors. His death marks the end of a significant chapter in the state’s political history, with tributes continuing to pour in from political leaders and citizens across Nigeria.
