***Ganduje pays tribute, says late patriarch lived a life of integrity
By Friday Idachaba, Lokoja
The wave of tributes for the late Alhaji Ahmed Momohsani Ododo, father of Kogi State Governor, Alhaji Ahmed Usman Ododo, swelled on Thursday as a high-powered delegation from the First Lady of Nigeria, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, visited the governor’s residence in Okene to commiserate with him and his family.
The delegation, led by Hajia Laila Barau, wife of the Deputy Senate President, included First Ladies of several states, wives of serving Ministers, and top officials of the Federal Government.
Speaking on behalf of the First Lady, Hajia Barau conveyed Senator Tinubu’s heartfelt sympathy, describing the late patriarch as not only a father to Governor Ododo, but also a father figure to many across Kogi and Nigeria.
“We are here on behalf of Her Excellency, the First Lady, to condole with you and the entire people of Kogi State on the loss of a father, a guide, and a pillar. Though his death saddens us, we take solace in the fact that he lived a fulfilled life, touched many lives positively, and left behind enduring legacies,” she said.
She prayed Almighty Allah to forgive his shortcomings and grant him eternal rest in Aljannah Firdaus.
Responding on behalf of the Ododo family, Hajia Nana, the governor’s Special Adviser on Women Affairs, expressed gratitude for the First Lady’s thoughtful gesture. She noted that the visit and prayers offered had brought comfort to the family during their moment of grief.
Earlier, at the 3rd Fidau prayer held for the late patriarch, immediate past APC National Chairman, Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, eulogized him as a man of faith, honesty, and integrity whose values continue to reflect in the life of Governor Ododo.
“This is not just a loss to Kogi State, but to the nation as a whole. He was a man of God, a man of integrity, and he raised children who are walking in his footsteps. Governor Ododo is a shining example of the virtues instilled by his father — hardworking, disciplined, and dedicated to service,” Ganduje said.
The late Alhaji Momohsani Ododo, aged 83, was laid to rest according to Islamic rites. His passing has continued to draw sympathies from across political, religious, and social divides, underscoring the impact of his legacy and the respect he commanded in life.