Former Governor of Kogi State, Alhaji Yahaya Bello, CON, has expressed profound sadness over the death of another former Governor of the state, Alhaji Ibrahim Idris. He described the death as the departure of a remarkable personality whose life and relationships touched many people.
In a condolence message issued on Sunday by the Director, Yahaya Bello Media Office, Michael Ohiare, Bello said the passing of the former governor marked the end of a remarkable life dedicated, in significant measure, to public service and the advancement of Kogi State.
Born on April 6, 1949, Idris rose through life with determination and humility, eventually occupying the highest political office in the state. He served as Governor from 2003 to 2008 and again from 2008 to 2012.
Bello, however, noted that beyond the office he occupied and the positions he held, the late former governor would be remembered by many for the personality behind the title.
“He was a calm and peace-loving individual who valued relationships and preferred understanding to confrontation. His warmth, generosity and accessibility endeared him to colleagues, associates, friends and the many people who encountered him during his lifetime,” Bello said.
He added: “He carried himself with quiet dignity and treated relationships as something worth preserving. In a world where public life can sometimes create divisions, he remained, to many who knew him, a man who valued friendship, peace and goodwill.”
According to him, those who had the privilege of knowing Idris personally would remember not only the public office he held, but also “the conversations, kindness, laughter, counsel and moments shared with him.”
“That is the part of a person’s life that cannot be fully captured by titles or official records: the memories left in the hearts of those who knew him,” he said.
Bello said Kogi State was mourning a former governor, while the family, friends and associates of the deceased were mourning a father, brother, friend, confidant and companion whose absence would be deeply felt.
“Indeed, an icon has gone to rest,” he stated.
He said that in bidding Idris farewell, “we celebrate a life that carried him from humble beginnings to a position of great responsibility, while leaving behind memories that will continue to live in the hearts of those who knew him.”
Bello added: “May the kindness he showed, the friendships he nurtured and the lives he touched speak for him before his Maker.”
The former governor extended his heartfelt condolences to the family of the deceased, his friends, associates and the people of Kogi State. He prayed Almighty Allah to forgive his shortcomings, accept his good deeds and grant him Aljannatul Firdaus.
He also prayed Allah to grant the family, friends, associates and all those mourning the strength to bear the painful loss.
“Rest in peace, Alhaji Ibrahim Idris,” Bello concluded.
