The Provost, Kogi State College of Education, Ankpa, Dr Paul Femi Fashagba, has mourned the death of a former Governor of Kogi State, Alhaji Ibrahim Idris, describing his passing as a huge loss to the state and the nation at large.
Dr. Fashagba in a statement while reacting to the sad news extended his condolences to Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo and the people of Kogi State over the loss.
Idris died on Sunday, September 20, 2026, in the United Kingdom at the age of 77, after a protracted illness, family sources said.
Dr Fashagba described the late former governor as a rare politician and astute businessman who contributed immensely to the growth and development of Kogi State during his time in office.
He said, “It is with a heavy heart that I received the news of the passing of our former Governor, Alhaji Ibrahim Idris. This is a painful loss not just to his immediate family, but to the entire people of Kogi State who benefited from his years of service and leadership.”
The Provost recalled that Idris, who governed the state from 2003 to 2012, left behind a legacy of landmark contributions to governance, business and community development in Kogi State.
He extended his deepest condolences to the government and people of Kogi State, the family of the deceased, and particularly the people of Omala Local Government Area, the ancestral home of the late former governor, describing his death as the exit of a rallying point for the area.
“On behalf of the management, staff and students of Kogi State College of Education, Ankpa, I commiserate with Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo, the Idris family, and the good people of Omala Local Government Area over this irreparable loss,” he said.
Dr Fashagba prayed for the repose of the soul of the departed elder statesman and asked God to grant his family, and the entire people of Kogi State, the fortitude to bear the loss.
He described the late Idris as a man who, despite the political and personal trials of his lifetime — including the loss of his son, Mohammed Ibrahim Idris, in 2024 — remained a symbol of resilience and service to his people.
The Provost enjoined the present administration and future leaders of the state to draw inspiration from the late former governor’s contributions to governance and nation-building
