By Amuda Dan Sulaiman Fab
The Kogi State Government, in collaboration with the late Audu family, on Saturday commemorated the 10th memorial anniversary of the late former governor, Prince Abubakar Audu, celebrating his enduring legacy as a visionary leader and the architect of modern Kogi State.
The ceremony, held at the glass house of the late Prince Abubakar Audu at his country home in Ogbonicha, Ofu Local Government Area, attracted a large gathering of dignitaries, traditional rulers, religious leaders, political associates, and supporters from across the state who converged to honour his memory.
The government delegation was led by the Deputy Governor of Kogi State, Comrade Joel Salifu Oyibo, who represented Governor Usman Ahmed Ododo.
In his remarks, the Deputy Governor described the late Audu as a transformational leader whose developmental vision laid the foundation for the infrastructural and institutional progress witnessed in Kogi State today.
He urged present and future leaders to uphold the values of service, unity, and dedication to the welfare of the people.
Leading the delegation of traditional rulers was Alhaji Ahmed Tijani Anaje, the Ohinoyi of Ebiraland, who praised the late governor as a bridge-builder whose leadership promoted peace, inclusiveness, and development across communities and ethnic divides.
Other dignitaries in attendance included the Senator representing Kogi East, Senator Jibrin Isah (Echocho); Chairman of Jamatul Islam, Ambassador Usman Bello; Secretary of the Kogi State Council of Ulamau, Alhaji Idris BabaâAngo; and the Kogi State Auditor-General, Alhaji Yusuf Okala. Senior government officials and chairmen of local government councils from the Kogi East Senatorial District were also present.
In his remarks, the Chairman of the Organizing Committee, Barrister Abdullahi Haruna SAN, praised the late Audu for his selfless dedication to the advancement of Kogi State.
He noted that the continued annual memorial demonstrates the deep respect and admiration Nigerians have for a leader who sacrificed greatly for the progress of his people.
Speaking on behalf of the family, Prince Shuaibu Abubakar Audu, Minister of Steel Development, expressed profound appreciation to the government, traditional rulers, and supporters for their enduring solidarity.
He reaffirmed the familyâs commitment to upholding his fatherâs values of integrity, unity, and development.
The prayer session for the repose of his soul was led by Sheikh Imam Kasim, who prayed for peace, unity, and continued development in Kogi State.
Speakers at the ceremony recalled Auduâs major achievements, including the establishment of the Kogi State University (now Prince Abubakar Audu University), modernization of Lokoja as a state capital, the expansion of road networks, and far-reaching empowerment initiatives.
Prince Abubakar Audu, the first civilian governor of Kogi State, passed away on November 22, 2015, during the governorship electionâan event that shook the nation.
The ceremony concluded with renewed calls to protect, sustain, and build upon the legacy of the iconic leader for a more prosperous and united Kogi State.
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