Former Kogi State Governor Ibrahim Idris, who governed the state from 2003 to January 2012, has been laid to rest following his death.

Former Kogi governor Ibrahim Idris’ burial

The remains of former Kogi State Governor, Ibrahim Idris, have been laid to rest at the Gudu Cemetery in Apo, Abuja.

Idris, who died aged 77 in the United Kingdom on Sunday, was buried after his remains were brought back to Nigeria.

The funeral was attended by the Kogi State Governor, Usman Ododo; former governors: Yahaya Bello and Captain Idris Wada; members of the Idris family, government officials, political associates and other dignitaries.

Idris served as governor of Kogi State from 2003 to January 2012, having returned to office after winning the March 2008 governorship re-run election following a legal challenge to the 2007 election.

He was succeeded by Captain Idris Wada in January 2012.

Following his death on Sunday, Governor 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.

In a condolence letter to the Idris family, Ododo described his death as a profound loss to Kogi State and Nigeria, saying the former governor had 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 State, Idris began his early education in Onitsha, Anambra State, before completing his primary education in Kano.

He later attended King’s Commercial College in Buguma, Rivers State, and obtained a bachelor’s degree in Law from the University of Abuja.

Before venturing into politics, Idris was a businessman and founded Ibro Trading Company, with interests in construction, furniture manufacturing, and hospitality.

He was elected governor of Kogi State on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party in 2003 and remained in office until January 2012.