Kogi State Governor, Ahmed Ododo has declared three days of mourning following the death of former governor Ibrahim Idris, describing his passing as a major loss to the state and Nigeria.

Ododo also directed that the national and Kogi State flags be flown at half-mast at government offices and other designated public institutions across the state throughout the mourning period.

The governor further approved a state burial for the former governor, with the Kogi State Government to bear all expenses and make arrangements for his burial.

The directives were contained in a statement issued on Sunday by the Kogi State Commissioner for Information, Kingsley Fanwo, following the announcement of Idris’ death.

Ododo had earlier visited the residence of the deceased, where he offered condolences to members of the Idris family.

In a condolence letter to the family, the governor described Idris as an eminent Kogi son who dedicated a significant part of his life to serving the people.

Idris governed Kogi State from 2003 to 2011, a period during which his administration implemented projects and policies in infrastructure, education, healthcare and other key sectors.

Ododo said the former governor’s contributions would remain part of the developmental history of Kogi State, noting that his public service represented an important chapter in the state’s political and institutional development.

“Beyond the projects and policies associated with his administration, Alhaji Ibrahim Idris would be remembered as a public servant who committed himself to the responsibilities entrusted to him by the people.

“His years in public office formed an important chapter in the political and developmental journey of Kogi State,” Ododo said.

The governor urged members of the deceased’s family to find comfort in his contributions to public service and the positive impact he had on the lives of many people.

He also extended condolences to the Idris family, friends, associates and other Nigerians mourning the former governor.

Ododo prayed that Almighty Allah would forgive Idris’ shortcomings, grant him Aljannatul Firdaus and give his family and the people of Kogi State the strength to bear the loss.