Those who refer to him as the architect of modern-day development in Kogi State do so with a deep conviction and full knowledge that he, indeed, laid the foundation for the overall social, physical and economic development and transformation of the state. He gave governance substance and meaning by operating a people-centred administration, prioritising the welfare and the security of the people, involving communities in the determination of projects to be sited in their domains, and bequeathing worthy legacies both on ground and in the hearts of the people.
In April 1949, Pa. Idris Adejoh an Onitsha-based Igalla trader had a new addition to his family. The lad, Ibrahim Idris, had since grown to be a great leader, exceptional humanist, patriot and statesman of consequence. He had over the years championed the greatest goods for the greatest number of his people. An inspiration and hope giver of sorts, Alhaji Ibrahim Idris, CON, (aka Ibro), a former governor of Kogi State, who straddles both the private and public sectors with bold footprints, is favoured by God Almighty to celebrate a milestone anniversary-one full of achievements, grace and divine loving kindness.
From a humble beginning, Ibro’s life has been like a script written and directed by God Himself, with episodic milestones at different stages. For instance, he was not born with a silver spoon in his mouth and had to discontinue schooling for lack of funds. But by dint of hard work and divine favour, he had made it to the top, both in business and public service. This, perhaps, explains his affective humanity, philanthropy and empathy for the down-trodden.
Idris exemplifies the often stated maxim that a leader puts the needs of others first. When he became governor in May, 2003, Ibro shocked his aides when he reviewed his allowances and other emoluments downward without publicity. As governor for two terms, prompt payment of workers’ salaries was a priority and target that was achieved. He cleared three months’ salary arrears which he inherited and never owed a single salary for civil servants at both state and local government levels. His administration paid all contractors promptly. Let us refresh our memories about other aspects of the essential Ibrahim Idris, the head-servant of the people.
Consideration was given to both human capital development and infrastructural development. Well-equipped and well-stocked hospitals and clinics were constructed during his reign. The flagship of his legacies in health was the establishment of the 400-bed-capacity Specialist Hospital and Referral Centre in Lokoja, the state capital. In education, about 2,000 primary school blocks of Four classrooms and offices each were built across the state. Every village or Ward in the state could boast of at least one block of the signature schools. After achieving full accreditation for all its 29 academic programmes in 29 months, Kogi State University, Anyigba became the best state owned university in the country during Idris Stewardship.
That is not all. Idris constructed about 1,500 units of houses for workers in Lokoja and across the 21 Loal Governments. All major roads in the state capital were dualised. Other notable dividends were the International Market, Confluence Stadium, State Secretariat Phase II and the 50million liters capacity Greater Lokoja Water Sheme. In short, under him, education, healthcare, rural development, housing, road construction and electrification of communities received unprecedented attention. It is instructive that Ibro achieved the above and many more landmarks without borrowing a dime form anywhere. For him, prudence was the key word. This is why majority of the civil servants and the people, with a sense of nostalgia wish that the ‘Ibro’ era never ended. A bridge builder and an ambassador of peace, Idris employed transparency, fairness, and equity in matters of state policy to bring unity and love among the various tribes in the state. He was conscious of the ethnic tripod and the variegated composition of the state and the need to carry everybody along. He never showed favouritism nor exhibited clannishness in appointments, project location and employment matters. Under him, projects were sited mostly equitably and on the bases of need. In fact, for the Nine years he was Governor, he did not appoint any commissioner from Omala, his Local Government of origin.
His love for the state is legendary. It was for this reason that he shunned opulence but used the state’s resources to develop it. Those who worked under him and with him attest to his prudence and remember his constant charge that the state’s resources must be used to develop it. He frowned against corruption and does not tolerate it. It would be recalled that Ibro once shelved his immunity and submitted himself for investigations by the Presidency in order to clear the air pertaining to a certain petition against him. He was found not guilty, of course.
Idris’ associates, friends and employees come from all parts of the country with no show of preferential treatment for those from his clan. For him, merit and hard work are the primary consideration in employment matters. His friends come from the North, East, West and South.
He is a lover of sports and does not miss his golf sessions. Love or hate him, Ibro remains a strong factor in Kogi politics. Happy birthday to a good man.
– Richard Elesho
Media Assistant to Former Gov. Idris
