Alhaji Ibrahim Idris was the former governor of Kogi state who ruled between 2003-2012 uniquely for nine consecutive years,a record not broken in the history of the country, Kogi in particular.
Before then , a business man and public figure of high repute, Jakadan Sokoto known for equity and fair play , started his early life both in Onitsha and Sokoto state , far away from his extraction.
No doubt , he made reasonable and reliable friends across the country based on his exposure, interaction both locally and internationally.
A man with high premium on enterpreneurship, human development and commercial activities, Idris explored one man business that is now in vogue and coined as private entity for over five decades, a thriving situation that saw him in many business conglomerates and later politics.
Even as a political figure in Nigeria, former Kogi Governor is still known to be running his personal businesses both within the country and across the globe.
The father of genuine equity in Kogi state that was later infiltrated by politics in the current dispensation, Idris had left an indelible mark on the sands of time in the area of various aspects of development in Kogi state that had become a reference point to the current leadership in the state, now turning his home as an abode for leadership advice and admonition.
Alhaji Ibrahim Idris, who was the genesis and protagonist of opposition parties removing incumbent in Nigeria, came to limelight with least expectations having won an election in Kogi in 2003.
As the father of PDP both in Kogi and Nigeria at large , he ensured the minority party in Kogi state as at then , became the ruling party with his personal leadership views and instincts that saw his legacies unsurpassed many years after his exit from government.
A religious leader, philanthropist, care giver, community leader, Idris had demonstrated this traits in all facets of his life that had become a record to be reckoned with by the current leaders.
He had provided harmonious religious environment through his contributions to building of churches and mosques, contributed to both national and community development across the country, without mentioning, carried out countless care giving activities, even out of office as former Kogi Governor.
The positive life he has lived had permanently turned his residence across Kogi state and the FCT into mecca of sort whenever he is available as he remained accessible.
As an active politician and business mogul, Idris has expressed so many times that retiring from politics and business will not give a better future to the needy in the society, therefore he will remain in politics and business to continue to assist the little he can to humanity.
As you clock a ripe age of 75, we will continue to pray to celebrate many more years on the surface of the earth and services to humanity.
Congratulations Your Excellency, Alhaji Ibrahim Idris CON, Jakadan Sokoto, Former Governor, Kogi state .
Written BY ABUBAKAR YUSUF in Abuja.