The Senate on Tuesday paid tribute to the late former Kogi State Governor, Alhaji Ibrahim Idris, describing his death as a major loss to Nigeria and resolving to send a delegation to his family.
Idris, who died in the United Kingdom on September 20, 2026, aged 77, was remembered by senators for his contributions to Kogi State, his business investments and his personal relationship with the people of Sokoto State, where he built much of his business empire.
The motion for his commemoration was moved by Senator Isah Jibrin Echono, who urged the Senate to honour the former governor with a minute of silence and send a delegation to his family in Abuja.
Idris was born on April 6, 1949, in the present-day Dekina Local Government Area of Kogi State. He spent part of his childhood in Onicha before completing his primary education in Kano.
Before entering politics, the former governor established himself as a businessman under the Ibro brand, with interests spanning construction, furniture manufacturing and hospitality.
Among his notable investments was a furniture factory in Sokoto and the Ibro Hotel, which senators recalled as one of the early major hotels in the region.
Idris later entered politics and was elected governor of Kogi State on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party, serving from May 29, 1999, to January 27, 2012.
During his administration, he was credited with several infrastructure projects, particularly in Lokoja, including housing for civil servants, school buildings, the Lokoja International Market and the Greater Lokoja Water Scheme.
Seconding the motion, a former governor of Sokoto State and senator described Idris as a businessman who became deeply connected to Sokoto after spending a significant part of his productive years there.
He said Idris established his furniture business and hotel in Sokoto, made lasting friendships and raised part of his family in the state.
The senator noted that the late governor’s connection with Sokoto was so strong that the Sultan of Sokoto and the Sultanate Council conferred on him the traditional title of Jakadan Sokoto, meaning ambassador of Sokoto.
He said Idris remained connected to the state even after relocating to Abuja and eventually returning to Kogi to serve as governor.
“He touched many lives across this country, and he employed many people,” the senator said while praying for the repose of his soul.
Former Edo State Governor and former Nigeria Labour Congress president, Senator Adams Oshiomhole, also paid tribute to Idris, recalling his encounter with the former governor while negotiating workers’ welfare and minimum wage issues.
Oshiomhole said Idris’ humility stood out during their interactions, recalling that the former governor told him that if he did not pay workers, he could not take the money with him to heaven.
The former labour leader also recalled Idris’ investment in Abuja at a time when many Nigerians were still uncertain about the development of the Federal Capital Territory.
According to him, Idris’ decision to invest in Abuja demonstrated his ability to see opportunities ahead of others.
“He said where others were scared, and today Abuja has become what it is,” Oshiomhole recalled.
The Senate Minority Leader Abba Moro also described Idris as a consummate politician and businessman whose contributions to Kogi State and Nigeria would be difficult to replace.
He called for a minute’s silence in honour of the former governor and suggested that a national monument be named after him in recognition of his contributions.
Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan joined in mourning Idris, describing his death as a profound loss to his family and the people of the state.
The Senate President, while joining the tributes, corrected a reference to Idris as a pilot, clarifying that it was his successor, Idris Wada, who was a pilot.
The Senate thereafter observed a minute’s silence in honour of the late former governor and prayed for the repose of his soul and comfort for his family.