Kogi State Governor, Ahmed Usman Ododo, has declared three days of mourning in honour of the former governor of the state, Ibrahim Idris, who died recently.
Ododo also directed that the national flag and the Kogi State flag be flown at half-mast across government offices and designated public institutions throughout the mourning period.
The governor announced this in a condolence message to the family of the deceased in a statement issued through the state Commissioner for Information and Communication, Kingsley Fanwo, on Sunday in Lokoja, describing his death as a profound loss to Kogi State and Nigeria.
Governor Ododo had earlier visited the residence of the late Alhaji Ibrahim Idris, where he commiserated with members of the Idris family.
He added that the death of the former governor had robbed the state of an eminent son who devoted a significant part of his life to the service of the people.
The governor also declared that the late former governor would receive a state burial, with the Kogi State Government taking full responsibility for all burial expenses and making the necessary arrangements to accord him the honour befitting a former governor of the state.
Alhaji Ibrahim Idris served as governor of Kogi State from 2003 to 2011, during which he contributed significantly to the development of the state and its institutional growth.
Governor Ododo noted that the administration of the late former governor witnessed important interventions in infrastructure, education, healthcare and other critical sectors, adding that the impact of his years in office would remain part of the developmental history of Kogi State.
According to him, beyond the projects and policies associated with his administration, Alhaji Ibrahim Idris would be remembered 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,” Governor Ododo said, urging the family to draw strength from the enduring memories of his service and the positive impact he made on the lives of many people.
The governor also stated that while the state mourned the former governor, his death also provided an opportunity to reflect on a life dedicated to public service and the growth of Kogi State.
On behalf of the government and people of Kogi State, Governor Ododo extended his deepest condolences to the Idris family, friends, associates and all those who mourn the former governor.
He prayed that Almighty Allah would forgive the shortcomings of the deceased, grant him Aljannatul Firdaus and give the family and the people of Kogi State the strength to bear the irreparable loss.
