UPDATED
By Muslimat Itopa
Kogi State Governor, Alhaji Ahmed Usman Ododo, has renamed the Kogi State Specialist Hospital, Lokoja, as Ibrahim Idris Specialist Hospital in honour of the former governor’s contributions to the development of the state.
Governor Ododo made the announcement during the 40th-day prayer for the late former governor, Alhaji Ibrahim Idris, popularly known as Baba Ibro, held in his hometown at Abejukolo, Omala Local Government Area of Kogi State.
He explained that the decision to rename the specialist hospital was part of the state government’s commitment to preserving the memory of individuals whose contributions helped shape Kogi State.
“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,” he stated.
The governor described the late Ibrahim Idris as a detribalised leader, astute businessman, committed humanitarian and one of the most consequential figures in the political history of Kogi State..
“Baba Ibro understood that leadership is measured by the lives we touch and the opportunities we create for others. He built businesses, nurtured relationships, strengthened institutions and opened doors for many Kogites and Nigerians,” Governor Ododo said.
He noted that the late former governor established new institutions and strengthened existing ones during his administration, leaving behind a legacy that would continue to benefit generations.
He urged the people of Kogi State to emulate the former governor’s spirit of unity, stressing that the state’s strength lay in its shared identity and common destiny.
“Division destroys, but unity builds. As Kogites, we must rise above our differences and recognise that our greatest strength lies in our shared identity and common destiny,” he said.
The governor expressed condolences to the immediate family of the deceased, the people of Omala Local Government Area, the Igala Kingdom and the entire people of Kogi State, praying that Almighty Allah would grant them the strength to bear the loss.
He prayed for the repose of the deceased’s soul, asking Almighty Allah to forgive his shortcomings, accept his good deeds and grant him Aljannatul Firdaus.
Earlier, Alhaji Haruna Idris who spoke on behalf of the family, thanked Governor Ododo for his commitment and support throughout the burial arrangements.
He described the death of his brother as a great loss to the people of Omala Local Government Area and Kogi State at large, noting that the family took solace in the enduring legacies left behind by the former governor.
In a remark, a former Secretary to the State Government, Alhaji Musa Amodu appreciated Governor Ododo for fulfilling his earlier promise to bear the burial expenses of the late Ibrahim Idris.
The fortieth day prayer was attended by top government officials, Heads of institutions, Traditional rulers including the former governor of Kogi state Captain Idris Wada .
Alhaji Ibrahim Idris governed Kogi State from 2003 to 2012, a period that marked a significant chapter in the state’s political history.
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