*Kogi State Govt, Audu Family Holds 10th Memorial Prayers for Late Prince Abubakar Audu in Ogbonicha, Kogi State*
*…As Minister of Steel Development, Prince Shuaibu Abubakar Audu pays tribute to late father*
The Kogi State Government, in collaboration with the family of the late former Governor of Kogi State, Prince Abubakar Audu, on Saturday, November 22, 2025, held the 10th Memorial Anniversary Prayer (Du’a) to honour the legacy of the trailblazing Statesman at his country home in Ogbonicha, Ofu Local Government Area. The solemn ceremony drew dignitaries, political leaders, religious leaders, community members, and associates.
The Honourable Minister of Steel Development, Prince Shuaibu Abubakar Audu, delivering the opening remarks, described his late father as a foundational figure whose visionary contributions and leadership remain deeply woven into the State’s history. He noted that a decade after his passing, the influence and ideals of Prince Abubakar Audu continue to shape the political and developmental landscape of Kogi State.
The Minister highlighted his father’s commitment to service, development, and the upliftment of the people, stressing that these values continue to inspire both the family and the genarality of citizens across Kogi State.
“I welcome you today on behalf of the entire Audu family as we honour our father, leader, mentor, and the person that laid the foundational blueprint of the State. I bring greetings from the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, His Excellency, Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR, who has continued to honour Price Audu’s legacy.
“I also express sincere appreciation to the Kogi State Government; the Executive Governor, His Excellency, Alhaji Ahmed Usman Ododo; the immediate past governor, His Excellency, Alhaji Yahaya Adoza Bello; and members of the State Executive Council for their continued partnership with the family in honouring the legacy of a leader whose impact endures,” the Minister said.
The Kogi State Deputy Governor, Elder Joel Salifu Oyibo, who represented Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo also noted that the gathering serves as a powerful reminder that while some leaders leave office with limited physical structures and impact to show, truly great leaders like Prince Abubakar Audu are remembered for their enduring legacies, imprint, vision, and his name continues to resonate far beyond the boundaries of Kogi State.
He added that the memorial should inspire all Kogites to unite behind a shared purpose, reflecting one of the core values the late Prince Abubakar Audu championed throughout his lifetime.
Special prayers were offered by Islamic clerics led by Sheik Ahmad Sulaiman for the repose of the late statesman’s soul and for continued peace, unity, and prosperity in Kogi State and Nigeria.
Leading one of the special Qur’anic recitations at the memorial was the Ohinoyi of Ebira Land and Vice Chairman of the Kogi State Council of Chiefs, HRH Tijanni Anaje, who represented the Attah of Igalaland, HRH Matthew Opaluwa and led the traditional rulers to the ceremony.
Amongst the dignitaries in attendance were the Senator representing Kogi East, Sen. Jibril Isah (Echocho); members of the Kogi State Executive Council, including the Commissioner for Chieftaincy and Local Government Affairs, Barrister Deedat Salami; Commissioner for Information, Mr. Kingsley Fanwo; Commissioner for Education, Mr. Wemi Jones; and the Commissioner for Justice. The Auditor-General of the State, Mr. Yusuf Okala, also joined other top officials, members of the Kogi State House of Assembly, and local government leaders at the ceremony.
Royal fathers present included the Ejeh of Ofu, the Orego of Ogbonicha, among other traditional rulers who came to honour the memory of the late statesman.
Prince Abubakar Audu the first civilian governor of the state passed away on November 22, 2015 at the age of 68 following his victory at the then just concluded elections. Prominent among his legacy project is the Prince Abubakar Audu University, a citadel of learning which has produced thousands of graduates and intellectuals from the state and beyond.
Lizzy Okoji
Special Assistant (Media) to the Honourable Minister of Steel Development,
Prince Shuaibu Abubakar Audu
November 23, 2025