By Friday Idachaba, Lokoja
Kogi State Governor, Alhaji Ahmed Usman Ododo, has declared a three-day period of mourning in honour of former Governor of the state, Alhaji Ibrahim Idris, who died Sunday in a United Kingdom hospital.
Governor Ododo, who described the death of the former governor as a profound loss to Kogi State and Nigeria, directed that the national and Kogi State flags be flown at half-mast across government offices and designated public institutions throughout the mourning period.
The governor had earlier visited the residence of the deceased, where he commiserated with members of the Idris family and expressed his condolences over the loss.
In a condolence letter to the family, Ododo said the death of Ibrahim Idris had robbed Kogi State of an eminent son who devoted a significant part of his life to the service of the people.
He also announced that the late former governor would receive a State Burial, with the Kogi State Government taking full responsibility for the burial expenses and making arrangements to accord him the honour befitting a former governor of the state.
Ibrahim Idris served as Governor of Kogi State from 2003 to 2011, a period during which he contributed to the development of the state and its institutional growth.
According to Ododo, the administration of the late governor witnessed significant interventions in infrastructure, education, healthcare and other critical sectors, which, he said, remained part of the developmental history of Kogi State.
The governor noted that beyond the projects and policies associated with his administration, 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,” 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.
He said the period of mourning should also provide an opportunity for the people of the state to reflect on a life dedicated to public service and the advancement 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.
