Kogi State Governor, Ahmed Usman Ododo, has declared three days of mourning in honour of former Governor Alhaji Ibrahim Idris, describing his death as a profound loss to the state and Nigeria.

The governor also directed that the national and Kogi State flags be flown at half-mast across government offices and designated public institutions throughout the mourning period.

According to a statement by the Commissioner for Information and Communications, Kingsley Femi Fanwo, Governor Ododo had earlier visited the residence of the deceased, where he condoled with members of the Idris family.

He also announced that the former governor would receive a state burial, with the state government bearing all expenses and making the necessary arrangements.

In a condolence letter to the family, the governor described Ibrahim Idris as an eminent son of Kogi who devoted a significant part of his life to serving the people.

He noted that Idris, who served as governor from 2003 to 2011, contributed to the development and institutional growth of the state through interventions in infrastructure, education, healthcare and other critical sectors.

According to him, the impact of the late governor’s administration would remain part of Kogi’s developmental history, while his commitment to public service would continue to be remembered.

“His years in public office formed an important chapter in the political and developmental journey of Kogi State,” Ododo said.

He urged the bereaved family to draw strength from the memories of Idris’ service and the positive impact he made on the lives of many people.

On behalf of the state government and its people, the governor extended his condolences to the Idris family, friends, associates and all those mourning the former governor.

He prayed that Almighty Allah would forgive the deceased’s shortcomings, grant him Aljannatul Firdaus and give the family and people of Kogi State the strength to bear the loss.