Senate Mourns Former Kogi Governor Ibrahim Idris

The Senate has mourned former Kogi State Governor, Alhaji Ibrahim Idris, who died in a London hospital on September 20, 2026, at the age of 77.

The lawmakers paid tribute to the former governor on Tuesday following a motion of urgent national importance raised by Senator Isah Jibrin Echocho (APC, Kogi), who formally informed the chamber of Idris’ death.

Echocho described the late governor as a prominent Nigerian whose contributions to business, politics and public service deserved recognition.

He noted that Idris governed Kogi State for about nine years and was a prominent member of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

According to him, the former governor established himself as a successful businessman and industrialist before venturing into politics.

He said Idris built diverse business interests under the Ibro brand through Ibro Trading Company, with investments spanning construction, furniture, manufacturing and hospitality.

Echocho also highlighted the late governor’s establishment of the Ibrahim Furniture Factory in Sokoto, which he described as the largest furniture factory in the old Sokoto State, as well as the Ibro Hotel, described as the first three-star hotel in the region.

He said Idris’ death was a significant loss to his family, the people and government of Kogi State and Nigeria at large.

“Alhaji Ibrahim Idris was a prominent member of the Peoples Democratic Party, a platform on which both the deceased and I were, at different times, associated.

“Mr President, distinguished colleagues, it is important that the Senate pays tribute to this great Nigerian and former governor of Kogi State,” Echocho said.

He urged the Senate to observe a minute of silence in honour of the deceased and send a delegation to his family in Abuja to convey its condolences.

Contributing to the tributes, Senator Aminu Tambuwal (ADC, Sokoto) commended Idris for his contributions to the development of Sokoto State, while Senator Adams Oshiomhole (APC, Edo) described him as a man committed to the welfare of the people.

Senators Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan (PDP, Kogi) and Abba Moro (PDP, Benue) also paid tribute to the late former governor and prayed for the repose of his soul.

The Senate subsequently observed a minute of silence in honour of Ibrahim Idris.