Kogi State Governor, Ahmed Usman Ododo, has declared three days of mourning in honour of former Governor of the state, Alhaji Ibrahim Idris, who has died.
Governor Ododo also directed that the national and Kogi State flags be flown at half-mast across government offices and other designated public institutions throughout the mourning period.
The governor, who described the death of the former governor as a profound loss to Kogi State and Nigeria, also announced that Idris would receive a state burial, with the state government taking full responsibility for the burial expenses.
Ododo had earlier visited the residence of the deceased, where he commiserated with members of the Idris family.
In a condolence letter to the family, signed by the state Commissioner for Information and Communications, Kingsley Fanwo, the governor said Idris’ death had robbed Kogi of an eminent son who devoted a significant part of his life to serving the people.
Idris served as governor of Kogi State from 2003 to 2011.
Ododo said the administration of the late former governor witnessed interventions in infrastructure, education, healthcare and other critical sectors, adding that his contributions would remain part of the developmental history of the state.
The governor said Idris would be remembered not only for the projects and policies associated with his administration but also as a public servant who committed himself to the responsibilities entrusted to him by the people.
“His years in public office formed an important chapter in the political and developmental journey of Kogi State,” Ododo said.
He urged the bereaved family to draw strength from the memories of Idris’ service and the positive impact he made on the lives of many people.
While mourning the former governor, Ododo said his death also provided an opportunity to reflect on a life dedicated to public service and the development of Kogi State.
The governor, on behalf of the government and people of Kogi State, extended his condolences to the Idris family, friends, associates and all those mourning the former governor.
He prayed that Almighty Allah would forgive the shortcomings of the deceased, grant him Aljannatul Firdaus and give the family and people of Kogi State the strength to bear the loss.
