A Decade After His Unfinished Victory, APC Titans Converge in Lokoja to Honour the Vision, Courage, and Unbroken Legacy of Prince Abubakar Audu, As Kogi Reaffirms Unity, Progress, and the Ideals of a Leader Who Still Shapes Its Future
The Glass House at the Kogi State Government House, Lokoja, became the epicentre of political significance on Sunday, November 30, 2025, as Kogi State hosted the grand 10th Memorial Anniversary of the late former Governor, Prince Abubakar Audu. A decade after his dramatic and untimely death, a moment that abruptly halted what many believed was a certain return to the governorship, the state gathered to honour a leader whose influence remains woven into the fabric of Kogi’s history and development.
Organised by the Kogi State Government in partnership with the Audu family, the ceremony attracted an extraordinary assembly of political heavyweights from within and beyond the state, symbolising the lasting reverence bestowed upon the man fondly remembered as the “Lion of the Niger.” The memorial was both solemn and grand, filled with emotion, reflection, and a renewed commitment to the values that defined Audu’s public life.
Prince Abubakar Audu’s passing on November 22, 2015, just as he was poised to be declared winner of the governorship election, remains one of the most defining events in Kogi’s democratic history. Though his life ended before the official announcement, his development-driven ideology and unwavering leadership style continue to shape the path of the state he served with passion.
At the heart of the event was the deeply emotional tribute delivered by his son, the Honourable Minister of Steel Development, Prince Shuaibu Abubakar Audu. Explaining that the moment held both personal and national significance, he said: “The revitalization of the Ajaokuta Steel Company and the reforms we are pursuing in the steel industry are not just national projects. They are the fulfilment of my father’s dream, a dream that he held dearly for Kogi and for Nigeria. This memorial is a reminder that true leadership does not die; it becomes a blueprint for those who come after.”
The Deputy Governor of Kogi State and Chairman of the Organising Committee, His Excellency Comrade Joel Salifu, earlier delivered a welcome address that set a dignified tone for the day. Reflecting on Audu’s transformational impact, he stated: “Prince Audu was a leader whose works still speak across institutions and communities. Today is not just about honouring a memory, it is a call to uphold courage, unity, service, and hope. These were the virtues he lived for.”
He also extended gratitude to national leadership, adding: “We thank President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, for honouring this memorial through his representative, and we appreciate Governor Ododo for his unwavering commitment to preserving the historical legacies of our state.”
Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo, in a tribute marked by clarity and reverence, emphasized that the late leader’s legacy remains a guiding force in the state’s development. Announcing honourary projects in Audu’s name, he said: “Prince Abubakar Audu’s leadership blueprint continues to guide governance in Kogi State. Renaming this major township road as Prince Abubakar Audu Boulevard is not symbolic alone, it is a testament to the respect we have for his contributions and the enduring relevance of his vision.”
In a national reflection, the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume, CON, spoke of Audu’s leadership from a broader historical perspective. He noted: “Prince Audu was a man of immense vision and democratic courage. He was one of the first Nigerian politicians to win a genuinely free and credible election. That kind of trust from the people is not common, and it speaks volumes about who he was.”
Former Governor Yahaya Adoza Bello, CON, added his voice in admiration, highlighting the lasting relevance of Audu’s governance philosophy. He remarked: “Prince Audu’s ideas were revolutionary. Many of the decisions we take today as a government are built upon foundations he laid. His impact continues to guide us long after his passing.”
The ceremony also witnessed the inauguration of the Board of Trustees of the Prince Abubakar Audu Leadership Foundation, an institution committed to nurturing future public leaders through structured mentorship, research, and values-driven training. A new book titled Prince Abubakar Audu: A Legacy of Visionary Leadership, reviewed by former Attorney General of the Federation Prince Adetokunbo Kayode, SAN, added scholarly depth to the memorial by capturing Audu’s philosophy, contributions, and enduring relevance.
In its totality, the 10th Memorial Anniversary transcended remembrance. It became a reaffirmation of unity, progress, democratic values, and the transformative leadership ideals that Prince Audu left behind. The powerful convergence of national and state figures underscored a simple truth: true leadership survives time, and Audu’s legacy continues to shape the future of Kogi State and inspire those who now carry the torch of governance.
Other dignitaries present at the memorial included former Governor Capt. Idris Wada; Minister of Information and National Orientation, Alhaji Mohammed Idris Malagi (representing President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR); former Minister of Justice and Attorney General of the Federation, Prince Adetokunbo Kayode, SAN; Senator Jibrin Isah Echocho; Rt. Hon. James Abiodun Faleke; top government officials; traditional rulers; APC stalwarts; and many distinguished guests from across the federation.
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