Kogi State has entered a three-day mourning period following the death of former governor, Ibrahim Idris, who died at the age of 77.
Governor Usman Ododo announced the mourning period on Sunday and ordered the Nigerian and Kogi State flags to be flown at half-mast across government offices and other designated public institutions.
The state government also approved a state burial for the former governor, with the government taking responsibility for the burial arrangements and expenses.
Ododo had earlier visited the Idris family to offer his condolences following the death of the former governor, who reportedly died in the United Kingdom.
In a condolence letter, Ododo described Idris’ death as a major loss to Kogi State and Nigeria, saying his years in public office represented an important chapter in the state’s political and developmental history.
The governor said Idris’ administration recorded interventions in infrastructure, education, healthcare and other sectors.
Idris was elected governor in 2003 on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party and served until 2008.
He returned to office after winning the March 2008 re-run election ordered following a legal challenge to the 2007 governorship election.
He completed his tenure in January 2012 and was succeeded by Captain Idris Wada.
Born in 1949 in Idah, Idris attended schools in Onitsha, Anambra State, Kano and Buguma, Rivers State, before obtaining a law degree from the University of Abuja.
Before venturing into politics, he was a businessman and founded Ibro Trading Company, with interests in construction, furniture manufacturing and hospitality.
Ododo urged the family and people of Kogi State to draw strength from the former governor’s years of service.
He also prayed for the repose of Idris’ soul and for strength for the family to bear the loss.