By Sam Biodun Ogundipe in London

Former Governor of Kogi State, Alhaji Ibrahim Idris, has died at the age of 77.

The Kogi State Government confirmed his death in a statement issued by the Commissioner for Information and Communication, Kingsley Femi Fanwo.

In the statement, Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo expressed deep sorrow over the passing of the former governor, describing it as a profound loss to Kogi State and Nigeria at large.

In the statement, Governor Ododo declared a three-day period of mourning in honour of the former Governor and directed that the national and Kogi State flags be flown at half-mast across government offices and other designated public institutions throughout the mourning period.

Governor Ododo and the immediate past governor and Apc leader in the state ,Alhaji Yahaya Bello had earlier visited the residence of the late Ibrahim Idris, where they commiserated with members of the Idris family.

In a condolence letter addressed to the family, Governor Ododo said the death of the former Governor had robbed the State of an eminent son who devoted a significant part of his life to the service of the people.

The Governor also declared that the late former Governor would receive a State Burial, with the Kogi State Government taking full responsibility for all burial expenses and making the necessary arrangements to accord him the honour befitting a former Governor of the State.

Ibrahim Idris served as Governor of Kogi State from 2003 to 2011, during which he contributed to the development of the State and its institutional growth.

Governor Ododo noted that the administration of the late former Governor witnessed interventions in infrastructure, education, healthcare and other critical sectors, adding that the impact of his years in office would remain part of the developmental history of Kogi State.

According to him, beyond the projects and policies associated with his administration, Ibrahim Idris would be remembered as a public servant who committed himself to the responsibilities entrusted to him by the people.

“His years in public office formed an important chapter in the political and development of Kogi state and Nigeria in general.

On behalf of the Government and people of Kogi State, Governor Ododo extended his deepest condolences to the Idris family, friends, associates and all those who mourn the former Governor.

He prayed that Almighty Allah would forgive the shortcomings of the deceased, grant him Aljannatul Firdaus and give the family and the people of Kogi State the strength to bear the irreparable loss