Historical Background

Kogi State, located in Nigeria’s North-Central region, is bordered by ten other states, making it the only state in Nigeria with such a distinction. It is surrounded by Ekiti and Kwara to the west, the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) to the north, Nasarawa to the northeast, Benue to the east, Enugu and Anambra to the southeast, Edo and Ondo to the southwest, and Niger State to the northwest. The state was created on August 27, 1991, from parts of Benue, Niger, and Kwara States. Kogi is nicknamed the “Confluence State” due to the meeting of the River Niger and River Benue in Lokoja, the state capital.

Kogi State is the 13th largest by area and the 20th most populous state in Nigeria, with an estimated population of around 4.5 million in 2022. Geographically, the state lies within the tropical Guinean forest-savanna mosaic ecoregion, with key rivers, the Niger and Benue, flowing through it and creating a natural divide in the state’s landscape.

The region is historically rich, inhabited by various ethnic groups, including the Igala, Ebira, Gbagyi, and Nupe, and is home to the ancient Igala Kingdom in the east and the Nupe Kingdom in the west. The area was occupied by the British in the early 1900s and eventually became part of the Northern Nigeria Protectorate. Following independence in 1960, the region underwent several political reorganizations until Kogi State was formed in 1991.

Geography

Climate

Kogi State experiences a tropical climate with annual rainfall ranging from 1,100mm to 1,300mm. The rainy season lasts from April to October, while the dry season, lasting from November to March, is marked by dusty winds from the north-east, known as harmattan.

Flooding

Kogi has faced significant flooding in recent years, including major disasters in 2012 and 2022. In 2012, floods displaced over 600,000 people, submerging roads, schools, and farmland. The 2022 floods were similarly devastating, affecting nine local government areas (LGAs) and causing widespread damage.

Adjacent States

Kogi shares borders with:

  • Federal Capital Territory (FCT) – 17 km to the north
  • Nasarawa State – 151 km to the northeast
  • Benue State – 153 km to the east
  • Enugu State – 112 km to the southeast
  • Anambra State – 40 km to the south
  • Edo State – 133 km to the south and 81 km to the southwest
  • Ondo State – 45 km to the west
  • Ekiti State – 92 km to the west
  • Kwara State – 188 km to the west
  • Niger State – 135 km to the north
    Languages

Kogi is a multi-ethnic state with various indigenous languages. Major languages spoken include:

  • Ebira (Central Kogi)
  • Igala (East Kogi)
  • Yoruba (Okun) (West Kogi) Other languages include Nupe, Kakanda, Kupa, Bassa Nge, Hausa, and more. The state is also home to minority languages like Oko (spoken by the Ogori people in Kogi Central).
    Religion

Kogi is religiously diverse, with approximately:

  • 45% Muslims
  • 40% Christians
  • 15% following traditional religions

The state has a rich religious heritage, with several prominent churches, including the Anglican and Catholic dioceses, and a notable Muslim community. The current Imam of Lokoja is Sheikh Aminu Sha’aban, while various Christian denominations, such as the Anglican Church and the Catholic Diocese of Lokoja, serve the local population.

Tourism

Kogi State boasts several historical and natural tourist attractions, such as:

  • The Azad’s Palace of the Ohinoyi of Ebiraland
  • Colonial relics, including Lord Lugard House
  • Mount Patti and the World War Cenotaph
  • The Confluence of the Niger and Benue Rivers
  • Ogidi (with Igneous Rock formations and traditional arts)
  • Natural hills and terrains ideal for hiking.
  • The state’s proximity to Abuja makes it an accessible tourist destination, with plans to develop historical landmarks in Lokoja.

Transport and Communications

Kogi State is well-connected by federal highways, including:

  • A2 (Benin City to Abuja via Lokoja)
  • A123 (Ilorin to Okene)
  • A233 (Lokoja to Benue)

The state has navigable rivers (Niger and Benue) and an international airport in Abuja, which serves as the gateway for travelers to Kogi. Telecommunications services are also available throughout the state.

Agriculture and Resources

Agriculture is central to Kogi’s economy, with key crops including coffee, cocoa, cashew, yam, maize, cassava, and rice. Livestock farming, such as cattle herding, is also important. The state is rich in mineral resources, including coal, limestone, iron, petroleum, and tin. Kogi is home to the Ajaokuta Steel Company, Nigeria’s largest steel industry, and the Obajana Cement Factory, one of the largest in Africa.

Education

Kogi State is home to several higher education institutions:

  • Federal University, Lokoja
  • Kogi State University, Anyigba
  • Confluence University of Science and Technology, Osara
  • Federal Polytechnic, Idah
  • Kogi State Polytechnic, Lokoja Other specialized institutions include the College of Education in Ankpa, and the School of Health Technology in Idah. Private institutions like Salem University, Lokoja, also contribute to the educational landscape.

Sports

Kogi has produced notable sports figures, including footballer Shola Ameobi and sprinter Sunday Bada. The state actively promotes sports such as football, handball, table tennis, and swimming. Kogi United and Babanawa F.C. are local football teams.

Politics

Kogi’s government is led by a democratically elected governor, with legislative input from the state House of Assembly. The state is divided into three senatorial districts: Kogi East, Kogi West, and Kogi Central. Since the return of democracy in 1999, three senators have represented Kogi in the Nigerian Senate.

Electoral System

The state’s electoral system is a modified two-round system, where a candidate must secure a plurality of votes and 25% of votes in at least two-thirds of the state’s local government areas. If no candidate achieves this, a second-round election is held.

Conclusion

Kogi State, strategically located in the North-Central region of Nigeria, serves as a cultural and economic hub due to its diverse ethnic composition and geographic significance at the confluence of the Niger and Benue rivers. The state boasts rich agricultural resources, a growing industrial sector, and abundant mineral deposits, all of which contribute to its economic potential. Despite these advantages, Kogi faces challenges in infrastructure development, security, and economic diversification. By fostering improved governance, enhancing key sectors such as agriculture, tourism, and education, and attracting targeted investments, Kogi State holds the promise for substantial growth and development, positioning itself as a vital player in Nigeria’s future prosperity.