Idris and a Priest of the Catholic Church during an inspection of the church project

Former Governor of Kogi State and chieftain of the People’s Democratic Party, PDP, Alhaji Ibrahim Idris, CON, has called on privileged members of the society to contribute their quota to community development, noting that ‘the task should not be left for government alone.’ Idris made the call today in Anyigba, Kogi East while inspecting the progress of work on two worship Centres he is funding in the area.

At the ultra modern Anyigba Central Mosque, the ex-governor expressed satisfaction with the level of work and commended the contractor for the high quality of job on the project. The mosque is an initiative of the former Governor and is being single-handedly sponsored by him. Located on a choice 1.3 hectare of land in the heart of the town, the facility contains a 1,800 seater capacity auditorium, offices, 30 male and 50 female toilets and a school.

Similarly, at St. Grimmard Catholic Church where the former Governor was conducted round an on-going worship auditorium which he is generously contributing in building, he commended the Priests for their commitment to the project. He further promised not to relent in his contributions to the project.

Giving an insight into why he is involved in charity and community development projects, Idris explained his involvement was not because he had too much money but his own modest way of showing appreciation to God for his love and countless blessings.

“God has been good to me all through my life. I know I cannot pay him for his superlative mercies to me. I am grateful for what God has done for me. In fact, God loves me so much that I believe he loves me more than everybody. I’m not saying he does not love others, but I know he loves me more.I feel there is no better way of thanking him than to provide a place where others can come and worship him.” He said.

He listed some evidences of God’s love to include the miraculous survival of three of his children in a 2006 plane crash that claimed many lives, his narrow escapes from many serious accidents, and his business and political successes. “In fact, if I have to start counting God’s blessings and love for me, there will be no space to contain them.”

Idris commended the contractors handling the projects for doing good jobs and not minding the cost. “For me I enjoy spending that money for God. No matter the amount, whatever I might have spent on them cannot be compared with what God has done for me. This is just like a tip compared to the benevolence of God in my life.”

Idris started building worship centers nearly two decades ago long before he became Governor. He has successfully executed similar initiatives in Idah, Ejule and Abejukolo all in Kogi East and called on other privileged persons to imbibe the virtue of giving back to God and the society, irrespective of their religion.

Once words went round that the former Governor was in the neighborhood, people turned out in large numbers to welcome him. The project is expected to be completed by next year.