- Governor Ododo announces honour at 40th-day prayer, urges unity among Kogi people
Kogi State Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo on Thursday renamed the Kogi State Specialist Hospital in Lokoja after former Governor Ibrahim Idris, in recognition of his contributions to the state’s development.
The hospital will now be called Ibrahim Idris Specialist Hospital, Lokoja. Idris, popularly known as Baba Ibro, died on September 20.
Ododo announced the decision at the 40th-day prayer for the repose of Idris’ soul, held in Abejukolo, Omala Local Government Area.
“Therefore, as the Chief Servant of Kogi State, I am pleased to announce that the Kogi State Specialist Hospital in Lokoja will henceforth be renamed Ibrahim Idris Specialist Hospital, Lokoja, in honour of this distinguished former Governor and in recognition of his contributions to the development of our dear state,” the governor said.
Ododo described Idris as a distinguished statesman whose life, leadership and service left an enduring mark on Kogi. He said the renaming was part of his administration’s commitment to preserving the legacies of leaders who helped develop the state. Their contributions, he said, must remain visible to present and future generations.
The governor also called for unity among Kogi people. He noted that the prayer drew personalities from different political backgrounds, ethnic groups and religious persuasions, which he said showed the late leader’s ability to build bridges across divisions.
Ododo urged residents to rise above their differences and embrace a shared identity and common destiny. “Division weakens communities,” he said, while unity creates the foundation for collective progress.
Earlier, Alhaji Musa Amodu, chairman of the organising committee for the prayer, thanked the governor for his support. Amodu said Ododo had stood by the family since Idris’ death, providing financial assistance for the burial arrangements and fully sponsoring the 40th-day prayer.
Idris governed Kogi from May 29, 2003, to January 2012 under the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). He won the March 2008 re-run election, making him one of the state’s longest-serving governors. He remained influential in politics and business after leaving office.
He died on September 20, 2026, at age 77 in the United Kingdom following an illness. He was buried on September 25 at Gudu Cemetery in Apo, Abuja.
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