The family of the late former Governor of Kogi State, Alhaji Ibrahim Idris, has expressed profound gratitude to the Kogi State Government for its swift support and solidarity during their moment of grief, pledging total cooperation towards ensuring a hitch-free state burial.
The family’s position was made known by the Head of the Family, Alhaji Haruna Idris, when he received members of the Burial Committee set up by the Kogi State Governor, His Excellency Alhaji Ahmed Usman Ododo, at the family compound.
The committee is chaired by the Deputy Governor of Kogi State, His Excellency Comrade Joel Salifu Oyibo.
Speaking during the visit, Alhaji Haruna Idris lauded Governor Ododo and the state executive for the deep respect and sense of responsibility demonstrated toward the late elder statesman, particularly the decision of the administration to take full charge of the burial arrangements.
He noted that the family remains deeply appreciative of the government’s gestures at such a difficult time, assuring the delegation of the family’s total commitment to working seamlessly with the state authorities to give the former leader a dignified farewell.
In his remarks, Deputy Governor and Chairman of the Burial Committee, Comrade Joel Salifu Oyibo, described the demise of Alhaji Ibrahim Idris as a colossal loss to the entire state, describing him as an icon whose leadership style earned him broad love and respect across political lines.
“It is a huge loss to the entire State. We have lost a colossus and a leader who was loved and respected by all. As a Government, we will give him a befitting State burial,” the Deputy Governor stated.
Comrade Oyibo reassured the family that the state government would ensure every detail required for a seamless and honorable state burial is meticulously handled.
Immediately after the open session, the government delegation and family representatives went into a closed-door meeting to deliberate on sensitive logistics and fine-tune arrangements for the upcoming rites.
Key members of the Burial Committee present during the visit included the Secretary to the Kogi State Government, Mrs. Folashade Arike Ayoade; Chief of Staff to the Governor, Ali Bello; Commissioner for Information and Communications, Kingsley Femi Fanwo; and Commissioner for Transportation, Victor Atuluku.
Others in the delegation were the Director General of Protocol, Mallam Suleiman Ibrahim; Special Adviser to the Governor, Prince Bashir Abubakar Audu; alongside other top government functionaries.
