Politicians, family and friends gathered in Abuja Friday to bid former Kogi State Governor, Ibrahim Idris farewell after his passing in the United Kingdom at 77.
Idris’ remains were brought back to Nigeria before the burial at the Gudu Cemetery in Apo, Abuja.
The funeral was attended by Kogi Governor Usman Ododo, former governors Yahaya Bello and Idris Wada, members of the Idris family, government officials, political associates and other dignitaries.
Idris served as governor of Kogi from 2003 to January 2012. He returned to office after winning the March 2008 governorship re-run election following a legal challenge to the 2007 election.
He was succeeded by Wada in January 2012.
Following his death, Ododo declared a three-day mourning period in his honour and directed that the national and Kogi State flags be flown at half-mast across government offices and other designated public institutions in the state.
Ododo also announced that the late governor would receive a state burial, with the Kogi State Government taking responsibility for the burial expenses and arrangements.
Also: Idris dies at 77, Kogi mourns
In a condolence letter to the Idris family, Ododo described his death as a profound loss to Kogi and Nigeria, saying the former governor devoted a significant part of his life to public service.
“His years in public office formed an important chapter in the political and developmental journey of Kogi State,” Ododo said.
The governor said Idris’ administration recorded interventions in infrastructure, education, healthcare and other critical sectors, contributing to the development and institutional growth of the state.
Ododo had earlier visited the residence of the late governor to commiserate with members of the Idris family.
Born in 1949 in Idah, Kogi, Idris began his early education in Onitsha, Anambra, before completing his primary education in Kano.
He later attended King’s Commercial College in Buguma, Rivers, and obtained a bachelor’s degree in law from the University of Abuja.
Before entering politics, Idris was a businessman and founded Ibro Trading Company, with interests in construction, furniture manufacturing and hospitality.
He was elected governor of Kogi on the platform of the People’s Democratic Party in 2003 and remained in office until January 2012.
