***Leaders celebrate the enduring legacy of a visionary who shaped Kogi’s political and developmental path
The Kogi State Government, in collaboration with the Audu family, on Sunday, November 30, 2025, held a solemn yet celebratory 10th Memorial Anniversary and book presentation in honour of the late former Governor, Prince Abubakar Audu. The event, which took place in Lokoja, drew political leaders, statesmen, traditional rulers, and dignitaries from across Nigeria, underscoring the national significance of a man widely regarded as one of the most influential political figures in Kogi’s history.
The ceremony marked a decade since the passing of Prince Audu, the first Executive Governor of Kogi State, whose visionary leadership and ambitious developmental strides earned him a revered place in the hearts of many. His influence, speakers noted, remains palpable in the state’s political evolution and its quest for sustainable development.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, was represented at the memorial by the Honourable Minister of Information and National Orientation, Alhaji Mohammed Idris Malagi. Delivering the President’s message, Malagi described Prince Audu as “a friend, ally, and trailblazer of democracy,” recalling their years of shared commitment to democratic ideals and the advancement of Kogi State.
According to President Tinubu, Prince Audu embodied courage, clarity of purpose, and an unwavering dedication to the prosperity of his people. “Prince Abubakar Audu was more than a political associate,” the President noted. “He was a patriotic Nigerian whose passion for development was matched only by his loyalty to the democratic project. His legacy continues to speak, not only in the infrastructural foundations he laid in Kogi State but also in the many leaders he mentored and inspired.”
The President commended the Audu family and the Kogi State Government for keeping the memory of the former governor alive through intellectual and civic engagements such as the memorial lecture and book presentation. He emphasized that documenting the lives of transformational leaders is essential to nation-building, as their stories serve as guideposts for future generations.
Governor of Kogi State, who hosted the event, praised the enduring relevance of Prince Audu’s developmental blueprint, describing him as “a man whose dreams for Kogi were far ahead of his time.” He noted that many of the institutions and projects initiated by the late leader remain cornerstones of the state’s socio-economic framework. The governor reaffirmed the state’s commitment to continuing the legacy of purposeful leadership championed by the late icon.
A highlight of the ceremony was the unveiling of a commemorative book chronicling the life, political exploits, and enduring legacy of Prince Audu. Authored by a team of historians and political scholars, the book captures his rise from a young technocrat to a two-time governor and national political figure. It also includes personal reflections from family members, political contemporaries, and those whose lives were shaped by his mentorship.
Representatives of the Audu family expressed profound gratitude to the state government and attendees for honouring their patriarch in a manner befitting his stature. They described the memorial as a reminder that though Prince Audu is no longer physically present, his ideas, values, and contributions continue to live on.
The event concluded with prayers, tributes, and a renewed call for leaders across Nigeria to emulate the principles of service, humility, and developmental commitment that defined the late Prince Abubakar Audu. As the nation marked ten years since his passing, one message resonated clearly: icons may depart, but true legacies endure.
