By Sam Biodun Ogundipe in London

Kogi State Governor, Ahmed Usman Ododo, has renamed the Kogi State Specialist Hospital, Lokoja, as Ibrahim Idris Specialist Hospital in honour of the late former governor, Alhaji Ibrahim Idris, popularly known as Baba Ibro.

Ododo announced the decision yesterday during the 40th-day prayer for the repose of the former governor’s soul in Abejukolo, Omala local government area of the state.

The governor said the gesture was in recognition of the late leader’s contributions to the development of Kogi State, noting that his legacy deserved to be preserved for present and future generations.

He described Ibrahim Idris as a distinguished statesman whose leadership and service had left an enduring mark on the state.

“Therefore, as the Chief Servant of Kogi State, I am pleased to announce that the Kogi State Specialist Hospital in Lokoja will henceforth be renamed Ibrahim Idris Specialist Hospital, Lokoja, in honour of this distinguished former governor and in recognition of his contributions to the development of our dear state,” Ododo said.

The governor said the gesture was in recognition of the late leader’s contributions to the development of Kogi State, noting that his legacy deserved to be preserved for present and future generations.

He described Ibrahim Idris as a distinguished statesman whose leadership and service had left an enduring mark on the state.

Ododo also called on the people of Kogi State to embrace unity and rise above political, ethnic and religious differences.

He said the presence of people from diverse political backgrounds, ethnic groups and religious persuasions at the prayer was a testament to the late governor’s ability to build bridges and foster relationships across different divides.

According to him, unity remains essential for the collective progress of the state, while division weakens communities and undermines development.

Earlier, the Chairman of the Organising Committee for the 40th-day prayer, Alhaji Musa Amodu, commended Ododo for his support towards the burial arrangements and the prayer programme.

Amodu disclosed that the governor had continued to support the family following the former governor’s death, including providing financial assistance for the burial and fully sponsoring the 40th-day prayer.

Ibrahim Idris governed Kogi State from May 29, 2003, to January 2012 on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

He secured a second term following the March 2008 governorship re-run election and remained influential in the state’s political and business circles after leaving office.

He died in the United Kingdom on September 20, 2026, at the age of 77, following an illness, and was buried on September 25, 2026, at Gudu Cemetery in Apo, Abuja.