Discover 13 Captivating Facts About Kogi State
Kogi State, created on 27 August 1991, under the stewardship of General Ibrahim Babangida’s military regime, was carved out of Old Kabba province of Kwara State and Benue State. Today, it stands proudly as one of the six North Central states in Nigeria.
Explore these beautiful facts about Kogi State:
Birthplace of “Nigeria”: Surprisingly, the first mention of the term “Nigeria” took place in Lokoja, the capital of Kogi State. It was pronounced by Miss Flora Shaw, a distinguished British journalist who later became the wife of Lord Lugard. She named the country Nigeria while she marveled at the beauty of the River Niger from the top of Mount Patti.
First Capital of Nigeria: Established in 1857 by the British, Lokoja was Nigeria’s first capital. Even after the amalgamation of Northern and Southern Nigeria in 1914, Lokoja retained its administrative significance, with Sir Frederick Lugard, the first British Governor-General, rulling over Nigeria from this historic town.
The oldest primary school in northern Nigeria is in Kogi: Holy Trinity Primary School in Lokoja, established in 1860 by Bishop Ajayi Crowther, holds the record of being Northern Nigeria’s oldest primary school. The 150-year old school is situated within the premises of the Anglican Church in Lokoja, Kogi State.
Coal Riches : Kogi State has enough coal deposit to supply Nigeria with at least 400 years of electricity supply. Kogi State boasts of abundant coal deposits, particularly in the Okaba district of Ankpa Local Government Area of Kogi East. The area has a reserve totaling 99 million tons, these coal fields have the potential to power Nigeria for an impressive 400 years.
The “Junction State”: With boundaries shared with ten other states, Kogi State earned its moniker as the “Junction State.” Its strategic location makes it a pivotal transit point for travelers journeying between Northern and Southern Nigeria.
The ten states sharing borders with Kogi are:
Federal Capital Territory (Nigeria) – to the North
Nasarawa State – to the North East
Benue State – to the East
Enugu State – to the South East
Anambra State – to the South
Edo State – to the South West
Ondo State – to the West
Ekiti State – to the west
Kwara State – to the North West
Niger State – to the North
The Iron of Liberty: Lokoja, once a hub for the despicable slave trade, transformed into a symbol of liberation. The Iron of Liberty monument, situated along Taiwo road, Lokoja. Eventually when slave trade was abolished, Lokoja became a collection center for slaves seized from slave merchants that are meant to be set free.
Industrial Powerhouse: Kogi State’s vast mineral reserves, especially limestone exceeds 647 million tons, led to the establishment of Dangote Cement Company’s largest factory in Obajana in 2008. Another Cement factory in Kogi is the Mangal cement situated at iluagba, Ijumu Local government. Others are West African Ceramics Limited, Unicane Industries Limited, largest ethanol production company in Nigeria.
The Statue of Inikpi: The Inikpi Statue pays homage to Princess Inikpi of Idah, whose sacrifice brought peace and freedom to Igala land during the ancient Jukun war. This statue was erected in her memory to stands as a testament to courage and resilience.
Employment opportunities in Ajaokuta: Ajaokuta Iron and Steel Company, established in 1971, holds promise as a catalyst for Nigeria’s industrial growth, with the potential to generate employment opportunities for thousands. When fully harnessed, Ajaokuta Iron and steel company has the potential to provide over 90,000 direct and indirect employment to both Kogites, Nigerians, and Foreigners.
Natural Wonders: Lokoja’s famed confluence, where the River Niger and River Benue converge, draws tourists seeking to witness this awe-inspiring spectacle of nature.
Scenic Beauty: Mount Patti, towering at 1503 feet, offers panoramic views of the confluence, attracting adventurers and nature enthusiasts alike.
Mineral Riches: Kogi State has large deposit of at least 30 mineral resources. The state is blessed with mineral resources in commercial quantity.
Some of the minerals resources are: Crude oil, gold, coal, bitumen, Magnesium, Gemstones, Iron ore, Cassiterite, Tantalite, and Columbite, Limestone, Marble, Clay, Mica, Silica sand, Feldspar, Dolomite, Gypsum, Kaolin, Talc, Tin, Quartz, etc.
Jimgbe Beach: Located along the Lokoja-Ajaokuta Road, entices visitors with its vast expanse of sandy riverbed, a testament to the majestic River Niger’s splendor. Some call it a desert, while others call it a beach.
It is the sandy river bed of the great River Niger, the Largest river in West Africa. During dry season, River Niger recedes and exposes the huge sand deposited at the bottom of the river. This river bed is so massive and beautiful, it attracts tourists from within and outside of Kogi State. The sand deposit is located in Jimgbe, along Lokoja-Ajoukuta Road in Ajaokuta local government Area of Kogi State.
Embark on a journey of discovery and exploration in Kogi State, where history, culture, and natural beauty converge to create an unforgettable experience.
