The Kogi Government has been thrown into mourning following the death of former Gov. Ibrahim Idris.
Gov. Ahmed Ododo announced the death in a statement through the state Commissioner for Information and Communication, Kingsley Fanwo, on Sunday in Lokoja.
Ododo described the passing of the former governor as a profound loss to Kogi and Nigeria at large, and has declared a three-day period of mourning in his honour.
Ododo directed that the national flag and the Kogi State flag be flown at half-mast in all government offices and other designated public institutions throughout the mourning period.
The governor had earlier visited the residence of the late Idris in Abuja where he commiserated with members of the bereaved family.
In a condolence letter addressed to the family, Ododo said Kogi had been robbed of an eminent son who devoted a significant part of his life to the service of the people.
As part of measures to honour the late statesman, Ododo announced that the former governor would be given a State Burial, with the Kogi Government taking full responsibility for all burial expenses and arrangements.
Alhaji Ibrahim Idris, popularly known as Ibro, served as Kogi Governor from 2003 to 2011.
Ododo noted that Idris’s administration contributed significantly to the development and institutional growth of the state.
The governor noted that the late Idris administration witnessed important interventions in infrastructure, education, healthcare and other critical sectors.
He added that the impact of his years in office will remain an enduring part of Kogi’s developmental history.
“His years in public office formed an important chapter in the political and developmental journey of Kogi State,” Ododo said.
Beyond projects and policies, the governor said the late former governor would be remembered as a committed public servant who gave his best to the responsibilities entrusted to him by the people.
Ododo urged the Idris family to draw strength from the enduring legacies of his service and the positive impact he made on countless lives across the State.
He said that while the state mourns, the death of the former Governor also provides an opportunity to reflect on a life dedicated to public service and the growth of Kogi.
Ododo extended his deepest condolences to the Idris family, friends, associates and all those mourning the former Governor.
He prayed that Almighty Allah forgives his shortcomings, grants him Aljannatul Firdaus and gives the family and the people of Kogi the fortitude to bear the irreparable loss.
