The Nigeria Medical Association (NMA), Kogi State chapter, has mourned the death of former Governor of Kogi State, Alhaji Ibrahim Idris, describing him as a pace-setter whose contributions to the development of the state will remain indelible.
The association also commiserated with the Kogi State Governor, Alhaji Ahmed Usman Ododo, the family of the deceased and the people of Kogi State over the loss of the former governor.
In a condolence statement jointly signed by the Kogi State NMA Chairman, Dr. Obari Mary, and the Public Relations Officer, Dr. Sule Samson Onimisi, the association described the death of the former governor as an irreplaceable loss to the state.
The statement, which was made available to journalists, read in part: “We equally commiserate with the entire family of late Alhaji Ibrahim Idris and, by extension, the entire Kogi indigenes both at home and in the diaspora.
“Late Alhaji Ibrahim Idris, popularly known as ‘Ibro’, lived a selfless and fulfilled life. His two terms as governor of Kogi State, from 2003 to 2012, witnessed several laudable legacy projects across the length and breadth of the state.
“His administration established the Kogi State Specialist Hospital, constructed the Confluence Stadium and the International Market, as well as the Otokiti Housing Estate.
“One of his landmark projects was the Lokoja Greater Water Works, popularly known as ‘Ibro Water’, which remains one of the notable infrastructural interventions of his administration.”
The NMA further noted that the former governor contributed to the development of the education and healthcare sectors by constructing several schools and health centres across the three senatorial districts of the state.
According to the association, “Late Alhaji Idris also built several schools and health centres across the three senatorial districts of the state, demonstrating his commitment to improving the welfare and living conditions of the people.”
The NMA also recalled the tragic ADC Airlines crash of October 2006, noting that three of the former governor’s daughters survived the incident, which claimed more than 100 lives.
“It will be recalled that three of his daughters survived the ADC Airlines crash which occurred in October 2006 and claimed over 100 lives,” the statement added.
The association prayed for the repose of the soul of the former governor and urged God to grant his family, Governor Ododo and the people of Kogi State the strength to bear the loss.
“While we pray for eternal rest for his gentle soul, we equally ask God to grant his family and Kogites the fortitude to bear this irreparable loss.
“May Almighty Allah reward him with Jannatul Firdaus. Once more, we extend our heartfelt condolences to Your Excellency, the family of the deceased and the entire people of Kogi State,” the NMA stated.
