The Nigerian Senate on Tuesday paid tribute to former Governor of Kogi, Alhaji Ibrahim Idris, who passed away in a London hospital on September 20, 2026, at the age of 77. Senator Jibrin Isah Echocho raised a motion of urgent national importance to notify the Senate of Idris' demise. Echocho described Idris as a great Nigerian who made significant contributions to business, industrial development, and public service. He noted that Idris deserved to be honoured given his achievements.
Before venturing into politics, Idris established himself as a successful businessman and industrialist, building a business enterprise under the Ibro brand. Through the Ibro Trading Company, he developed diverse business interests spanning construction, furniture, manufacturing, and hospitality. His entrepreneurial activities included the establishment of the Ibrahim Furniture Factory in Sokoto and Ibro Hotel, described as the first three-star hotel in the region.
Idris subsequently ventured into politics and was elected Governor of Kogi State on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party. He served as Governor of Kogi State from May 29, 2003, to January 6, 2012, and remains the longest-serving elected civilian governor in the history of Kogi State. During his tenure, he undertook significant infrastructural developments, particularly in Lokoja, including the construction of housing units for civil servants and blocks of classrooms for primary and secondary schools.
The Senate was told that Idris' administration also constructed the Lokoja International Market and the State Specialist Hospital in Lokoja. Furthermore, his administration expanded the Greater Lokoja Water Scheme, providing a 24-hour water supply. These developments significantly contributed to the growth and development of Kogi State. Idris' contributions to business, industrial development, and public service earned him recognition and respect.
Senators Aminu Tambuwal and Adams Oshiomhole lauded Idris' contributions to Sokoto and Kogi States. Tambuwal recalled Idris' early days as a woodworker and his rise to prominence in the hotel business. Oshiomhole described Idris as a man committed to the welfare of the people, citing his readiness to pay the minimum wage to workers during his tenure as governor.
Other senators, including Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan and Abba Moro, also praised Idris' virtues and prayed for his soul. The Senate thereafter observed a minute's silence in honour of the late former governor. The Senate also resolved to send a delegation to Idris' family in Abuja to convey its condolences.
Idris' death has been described as a significant loss to his immediate family, the people and government of Kogi State, and the nation at large. The Senate's tribute to Idris reflects his impact on the country's development and his legacy as a dedicated public servant and entrepreneur.
Key points
- Former Kogi Governor Alhaji Ibrahim Idris died in a London hospital on September 20, 2026, at 77.
- Idris served as Governor of Kogi State from May 29, 2003, to January 6, 2012.
- The Senate observed a minute's silence in honour of the late former governor.
