The former governor of Kogi state, Alhaji Idris Ibrahim was announced dead yesterday.
Idris governed Kogi State from 2003 to 2012 on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), first defeating then-incumbent governor, Prince Abubakar Audu, in 2003. His 2007 election was later nullified by the courts, but he won the 2008 rerun and completed his tenure in January 2012, handing over to Captain Idris Wada.
A statement yesterday in Lokoja, the state capital, by Information and Communication Commissioner Kingsly Fanwo, announced the demise of the former governor.
Governor Ahmed Ododo, who had earlier visited the Idris family, expressed deep sorrow over the death of a former governor and commiserated with the Idris family.
Ododo described the death of the former governor as a profound loss to the state and Nigeria. The governor also declared a three-day mourning period in honour of the former governor.
He directed that the national flag and the Kogi State flag be flown at half-mast across government offices and other designated public institutions in the state throughout the mourning period.
Ododo promised that the late Idris would also be honoured with a befitting state burial.
The governor said his administration would bear all burial expenses and was already making the necessary arrangements to honour the late Idris, who served as Kogi State governor from 2003 to 2011.
Ododo noted that the administration of the late governor implemented 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.
“His years in public office formed an important chapter in the political and developmental journey of Kogi State,” Ododo said.
The governor urged the Idris family to draw strength from the enduring memories of the late governor’s service and the positive impact he made on the lives of many people.
Ododo prayed to Almighty Allah to forgive the shortcomings of the deceased, grant him Al-Jannatul Firdaus, and give the family and the people of Kogi State the strength to bear the irreparable loss.
He stressed that while the state mourned the former governor, his death also provided an opportunity for the people to reflect on a life dedicated to public service and the growth of Kogi State.
Idris, widely known as “Ibro”, died yesterday in the United Kingdom (UK).
In a condolence message in Abuja, Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan said Idris was a major political figure whose nearly decade-long tenure helped shape Kogi’s political development and institutional growth.
“The passing of His Excellency, Alhaji Ibrahim Idris, is a profound loss to Kogi State, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and indeed Nigeria,” she said.
The senator noted that the former governor’s death was especially painful at a time Kogi and the PDP could still have benefited from his experience, wisdom and deep knowledge of the state’s political history.
“Beyond the office he occupied, Ibro represented a generation of political leaders whose experiences, relationships and contributions helped shape Kogi’s political history,” the senator said.
“His departure creates a significant vacuum, and his contributions will remain part of the historical narrative of our dear state.”
Akpoti-Uduaghan stressed that while administrations come and go, the impact of public service endures in a state’s collective memory.
“Leadership is ultimately measured by the lives touched, institutions strengthened and opportunities created for future generations,” she said.
“As we mourn His Excellency Ibrahim Idris, we must also remember the chapter he wrote in the history of Kogi State and the lessons his journey offers to those of us entrusted with public responsibility.”
The senator extended heartfelt condolences to the Idris family, his political associates, friends, and all Kogites, urging them to draw strength from his legacy.
“During this difficult moment, my thoughts and prayers are with the Idris family,” she said.
“Losing a father, husband, grandfather, political mentor and community leader is never easy. I pray that Almighty Allah grants his family the strength to bear this irreparable loss and grants our late leader eternal rest.
About the author
Rwanda vs Nigeria: Chelle reignites the Super Eagles’ aspirations for the 2026 World Cup in Kigali.
On Friday, Eric Chelle became the inaugural non-Nigerian African coach to take the helm of the Super Eagles. The Malian coach directed his first match, resulting in a 2-0 win against Rwanda during a qualifying round for the 2026 World Cup. Chelle's appointment by the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) took place on January 7, as he replaced Finidi George and succeeded interim coach Augustine Eguavoen. Since that time, he has dedicated three months to traveling across Nigeria, observing domestic league matches, and engaging with his players based in Europe. However, his initial team selection remained perplexing. Chelle opted for a highly offensive formation in Kigali, which appeared unbalanced on paper. Victor Osimhen, Samuel Chukwueze, Ademola Lookman, and Moses Simon were all included in the attacking lineup, while Alex Iwobi and Wilfred Ndidi occupied the midfield positions. "I had mixed feelings. […]
Niger miners’ deaths: NSCDC parades suspended commandant
* arretse more officers The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) on Sunday paraded Commandant Suberu Aniviye, who was suspended over the deaths of suspected illegal miners in the Corps’ custody in Niger State. The Corps Public Relations Officer, ACC Babawale Afolabi, who disclosed this in a statement, said Aniyiye was paraded at the headquarters of the corps in Abuja, alongside others linked to the incident. Afolabi said three more personnel have been suspended in connection with the tragedy. He said that Professor Ahmed Audi, Commandant-General of NSCDC, has given assurance that due process, transparency and accountability would be strictly followed in the investigation of the personnel of the Corps currently held in custody. He added that Audi assured that every single personnel found culpable would face the full weight of internal disciplinary measures and the law. “In […]
Ex-Kogi Governor, Idris dies at 77
The former governor of Kogi state, Alhaji Idris Ibrahim was announced dead yesterday. Idris governed Kogi State from 2003 to 2012 on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), first defeating then-incumbent governor, Prince Abubakar Audu, in 2003. His 2007 election was later nullified by the courts, but he won the 2008 rerun and completed his tenure in January 2012, handing over to Captain Idris Wada. A statement yesterday in Lokoja, the state capital, by Information and Communication Commissioner Kingsly Fanwo, announced the demise of the former governor. Governor Ahmed Ododo, who had earlier visited the Idris family, expressed deep sorrow over the death of a former governor and commiserated with the Idris family. Ododo described the death of the former governor as a profound loss to the state and Nigeria. The governor also declared a three-day mourning period […]
Ondo ‘monkey tail’ tragedy: Seven victims suffered total, partial blindness – NAFDAC
The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) confirmed that seven people have suffered from total or partial blindness after consuming methanol-contaminated alcoholic and herbal concoctions in Ondo State. Our correspondent in Ondo state reports that the tragedy followed an outbreak of suspected methanol poisoning tied to a locally brewed herbal alcoholic drink popularly known as “Monkey Tail” in Odigbo and Irele Local Government Areas of the state. NAFDAC, in an update on the incident by its Director-General, Professor Mojisola Adeyeye, said the outbreak was initially reported in early September following cases of sudden illness and deaths among people who reportedly consumed the suspected products. The Agency says preliminary laboratory analysis has detected high concentrations of methanol in locally prepared alcoholic and herbal concoctions linked to the deaths of 48 people. It confirmed that 182 cases had […]
FG suspends NSCDC commandant over deaths of 30 illegal miners, begins investigation
The Commandant General of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Prof. Ahmed Abubakar Audi, has ordered the removal of the Niger State Commandant of the corps over the deaths of 30 illegal miners in the custody of the State Command. He has also directed a full-scale, transparent and unhindered investigation into the circumstances surrounding the deaths of illegal miners in the custody. The heads of Operations, Mining, Legal, Intelligence and Investigation have also been invited for thorough investigation. Over 30 arrested illegal miners in the custody of the Niger State Command reportedly died mysteriously. Assistant Commandant of Corps, Babawale Afolabi, National Public Relations Officer of the NSCDC, in a statement on Friday morning, said the order followed a directive by the Minister of Interior, Tunji Ojo. Afolabi added that the CG had directed a new Commandant to proceed […]
State Assemblies receive State Police Bill for concurrence
A major step in the move to establish state police was taken yesterday with the National Assembly transmitting the Constitution Alteration Bill to state Houses of Assembly for concurrence. The Constitution requires the concurrence of two-thirds of the 36 state Houses of Assembly to alter any provision after passage by the National Assembly. Not less than 24 states are required for the concurrence.The Constitution requires the concurrence of two-thirds of the 36 state Houses of Assembly to alter any provision after passage by the National Assembly. Both the Senate and the House of Representatives passed the executive bill seeking to alter the Constitution to allow for state police before embarking on their vacation. Clerk to the National Assembly, Mr Kamoru Ogunlana, said in a statement that although there is no fixed constitutional period for the state Assemblies to conclude work […]
Veteran Nollywood actor, Olu Jacobs dies at 84
Veteran Nigerian actor, Oludotun Baiyewu Jacobs, popularly known as Olu Jacobs, has died at the age of 84. The family said the celebrated actor, whom they described as the “Lion of Lufodo”, died on 16 September. “It is with gratitude to God for a life well lived and fought, that we announce the passing of our dear husband, father, grandfather and uncle, The Lion of Lufodo. According to a family source, the deceased was born on 11/7/1942 and died early morning of 16/09/2026. The family also appealed for privacy as they mourn. “We call on all bloggers and social media influencers to respect our family’s privacy at this time.” Jacobs celebrated his 84th birthday on 11 July. He was one of Nigeria’s most prominent veteran actors, with a career spanning theatre, television and film. Jacobs was also a film executive […]
Related
Niger miners’ deaths: NSCDC parades suspended commandant
* arretse more officers The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) on Sunday paraded Commandant Suberu Aniviye, who was suspended over the deaths of suspected illegal miners in the Corps’ custody in Niger State. The Corps Public Relations Officer, ACC Babawale Afolabi, who disclosed this in a statement, said Aniyiye was paraded at the headquarters of the corps in Abuja, alongside others linked to the incident. Afolabi said three more personnel have been suspended in connection with the tragedy. He said that Professor Ahmed Audi, Commandant-General of NSCDC, has given assurance that due process, transparency and accountability would be strictly followed in the investigation of the personnel of the Corps currently held in custody. He added that Audi assured that every single personnel found culpable would face the full weight of internal disciplinary measures and the law. “In […]
Ondo ‘monkey tail’ tragedy: Seven victims suffered total, partial blindness – NAFDAC
The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) confirmed that seven people have suffered from total or partial blindness after consuming methanol-contaminated alcoholic and herbal concoctions in Ondo State. Our correspondent in Ondo state reports that the tragedy followed an outbreak of suspected methanol poisoning tied to a locally brewed herbal alcoholic drink popularly known as “Monkey Tail” in Odigbo and Irele Local Government Areas of the state. NAFDAC, in an update on the incident by its Director-General, Professor Mojisola Adeyeye, said the outbreak was initially reported in early September following cases of sudden illness and deaths among people who reportedly consumed the suspected products. The Agency says preliminary laboratory analysis has detected high concentrations of methanol in locally prepared alcoholic and herbal concoctions linked to the deaths of 48 people. It confirmed that 182 cases had […]
FG suspends NSCDC commandant over deaths of 30 illegal miners, begins investigation
The Commandant General of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Prof. Ahmed Abubakar Audi, has ordered the removal of the Niger State Commandant of the corps over the deaths of 30 illegal miners in the custody of the State Command. He has also directed a full-scale, transparent and unhindered investigation into the circumstances surrounding the deaths of illegal miners in the custody. The heads of Operations, Mining, Legal, Intelligence and Investigation have also been invited for thorough investigation. Over 30 arrested illegal miners in the custody of the Niger State Command reportedly died mysteriously. Assistant Commandant of Corps, Babawale Afolabi, National Public Relations Officer of the NSCDC, in a statement on Friday morning, said the order followed a directive by the Minister of Interior, Tunji Ojo. Afolabi added that the CG had directed a new Commandant to proceed […]
State Assemblies receive State Police Bill for concurrence
A major step in the move to establish state police was taken yesterday with the National Assembly transmitting the Constitution Alteration Bill to state Houses of Assembly for concurrence. The Constitution requires the concurrence of two-thirds of the 36 state Houses of Assembly to alter any provision after passage by the National Assembly. Not less than 24 states are required for the concurrence.The Constitution requires the concurrence of two-thirds of the 36 state Houses of Assembly to alter any provision after passage by the National Assembly. Both the Senate and the House of Representatives passed the executive bill seeking to alter the Constitution to allow for state police before embarking on their vacation. Clerk to the National Assembly, Mr Kamoru Ogunlana, said in a statement that although there is no fixed constitutional period for the state Assemblies to conclude work […]
Veteran Nollywood actor, Olu Jacobs dies at 84
Veteran Nigerian actor, Oludotun Baiyewu Jacobs, popularly known as Olu Jacobs, has died at the age of 84. The family said the celebrated actor, whom they described as the “Lion of Lufodo”, died on 16 September. “It is with gratitude to God for a life well lived and fought, that we announce the passing of our dear husband, father, grandfather and uncle, The Lion of Lufodo. According to a family source, the deceased was born on 11/7/1942 and died early morning of 16/09/2026. The family also appealed for privacy as they mourn. “We call on all bloggers and social media influencers to respect our family’s privacy at this time.” Jacobs celebrated his 84th birthday on 11 July. He was one of Nigeria’s most prominent veteran actors, with a career spanning theatre, television and film. Jacobs was also a film executive […]
Hungry Nigerians scramble for bread, rice from APC campaign bus in Abuja
Some hungry Nigerians were seen chasing an All Progressives Congress (APC) campaign bus in Abuja as bread and packs of rice were distributed to residents ahead of the 2027 elections. In a viral video cited by Ayemafuge, several people were seen running after a moving van, struggling to collect the food items being thrown or handed out from the vehicle. The hungry Nigerians, including youths and adults, moved rapidly alongside the vehicle as it drove through the area, with some stretching their hands towards the van in an attempt to collect the packs of rice and bread. The footage showed the scramble for the food items as the moving vehicle continued along the road, with residents following it for an opportunity to receive the distributed provisions. The incident comes amid growing concerns over food insecurity, rising living costs and worsening […]
Be the first to leave a comment