The Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Mohsha International Ltd, Abuja, Dr. Mohammed Adah Shaibu Tettes, has mourned the death of former Kogi State Governor, Alhaji Ibrahim Idris, describing the late politician as a father, bridge-builder and statesman whose years in public service left a lasting mark on the state.
Idris, popularly known as “Ibro”, died in the United Kingdom on Sunday, September 20, 2026, at the age of 77. His death has since triggered tributes from political leaders, government officials and associates across Kogi State and Nigeria.
In a condolence message issued in honour of the former governor, Tettes expressed “profound shock and deep sorrow” over the death, extending his sympathy to Idris’ wife, Hajia Aisha Ibrahim Idris, his children, the wider Idris family, the government and people of Kogi State and Nigerians.
Tettes described the late governor as more than a political leader, saying his public life reflected qualities of humility, compassion and commitment to unity.
He particularly recalled Idris’ tenure as governor, during which he said the former governor pursued people-centred development initiatives across Kogi State.
According to the condolence message, projects associated with the Idris administration included classrooms, rural clinics, roads, the State Secretariat, Confluence Stadium and the Kogi State University Teaching Hospital, among other initiatives.
Idris served as governor of Kogi State from 2003 to 2012, making him the longest-serving governor in the state’s history. His tenure included a court-ordered rerun of the 2007 governorship election, which he won before returning to office in 2008.
His death comes at a time of renewed political activity across Kogi State, with the state continuing to feature prominently in Nigeria’s political and governance conversations. Kogi State Government’s recent infrastructure and reform plans, for instance, have highlighted the continuing importance of development and institutional growth in the state.
The Bureau Journal has also reported on Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo’s recent engagements on unity and development, as well as other developments shaping the state’s political landscape.
Following Idris’ death, Governor Ododo declared three days of mourning and directed that the Nigerian and Kogi State flags be flown at half-mast across government offices and other designated public institutions. The state government also announced that the former governor would receive a state burial, with the government taking responsibility for the burial arrangements and expenses.
Ododo and former Governor Yahaya Bello also visited the late governor’s family at their Abuja residence to convey condolences following his death.
Tettes, in his tribute, said Kogi had lost a “giant” while Nigeria had lost an elder statesman, reflecting on what he described as Idris’ contribution to the growth and unity of the Confluence State.
The condolence message comes amid a wider outpouring of tributes to the former governor. President Bola Ahmed Tinubu also mourned Idris, describing his death as a significant loss to Kogi State and Nigeria and acknowledging his years of public service and contributions to infrastructure, education and healthcare.
Other recent developments in Kogi, including the state government’s bursary programme for students and plans for a cashew processing plant and agricultural investment, continue to shape discussions about the state’s development trajectory.
As tributes continue to pour in, Tettes prayed that Almighty Allah would forgive the shortcomings of the deceased, grant him Al-Jannatul Firdaus and give his family, friends and the people of Kogi State the strength to bear the loss.
“Adieu, Your Excellency,” he said.
He concluded the tribute with the Islamic prayer: “Inna Lillahi wa inna ilayhi raji’un.”
Related context: The Bureau Journal previously reported the death of former Kogi Governor Ibrahim Idris at 77 as details of his passing emerged on September 20.
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