Around the same spot, he erected the first primary school in Northern Nigeria for all Nigerians who wanted to seek freedom from ignorance. While the advent of the Catholic Faith in the Catholic Diocese of Lokoja is usually dated to the opening of a new mission in Lokoja in 1884; The birth of the Ecclesiastical Jurisdiction, which we now call Lokoja Diocese must be dated back to 1955, when Kabba Prefecture was created, and later became Lokoja … It is also worthy to mention that editions of Lokoja boat regatta are held, albeit not regularly. The third and also significant place of Lokoja was the crucial role it served as a practice ground for distance education by many Northern Nigerian Emirs in the 1800's. EP10 Africa Calling Special on Land Rights: Kenya, Liberia, Pope says fraternity the watchword 'at this moment in histor, Post-Brexit trade agreement: EU and Britain prepare the fina, As UK pulls out of Erasmus, what study abroad options remain, CAR rebels cancel ceasefire ahead of Sunday's vote, Be Decorous When Discussing About Our Presidential Candidate, What Has "Otani Gyimifoc" Have To Do With Agyapa Royalties L, Jean Mensa Forgot; She Could Have Aborted The 2 Kids. Change ). ", Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu urges politicians to reconcile differences Buy Access; Help; About; Contact Us; Cookies; Encyclopedias | Text editions The Igala Kingdom, also known as the Kingdom of Idah, Ane-Ìgàlá, is a pre-colonial West African state, north central Nigeria. ( Log Out /  According to professor Jegede, There in Lokoja, they defy the intense heat at that time of the year to write 183 courses and adapt 235 others in 54 programmes carefully chosen to kick start the re-establishment of the National Open University of Nigeria in Lagos. They didn't know the role this beautiful city played in the history and developments of the beautiful Nigeria neither were they aware of the abundant historical relic it contained, especially before and during the colonial era. The Brief History Of Lokoja. In 1884, a new mission was opened at Lokoja, with three Frs. The Selection and Post of Senior Minister in Ghana Government. Lokoja was the capital of the British Northern Nigeria Protectorate and the chief of Lokoja as at that time is Alhaji Muhammadu Maikarfi. It is about 165 km Southwest of Abuja as the crow flies, and 390 km Northeast of Lagos by same measure. Some of the first groups of people to settle in Lokoja were the (Oworo people/yoruba from Ile-Ife), Hausa and Nupe. [3] It is a trade center with respect to its agricultural products; this is because it is situated at the confluence of the Niger and Benue rivers, and is close to the new federal capital of Nigeria in Abuja. 1951 12,000 July 6, 1964: Promoted as Diocese of Kabba. These means that, the founder of the National Open University of Nigeria realize that, they would be bringing open and distance learning to its home and its origin in Nigeria. It is bounded by the Niger in the north and east upstream from the capital until the border with Kwara State, and includes the city of Lokoja. If this happens, May be the rival of steel industry revolution will come in the near future for the city to strive again. Lokoja was also the trade distribution centre for an agricultural (chiefly cotton) region and has food processing industries. All trademarks and copyrights on this page are owned by their respective owners. In 1859 a British trading and missionary settlement was founded in Lokoja. The area that would become Lokoja has been inhabited for thousands of years by people from different ethnic groups prior to the arrival of Europeans. Religiously, Islam, Christianity and traditional religion exist in Lokoja .The Muslims go to their Mosques for their worship while the Christians do the same in their various churches. Some of the first groups of people to settle in Lokoja were the Hausa and Nupe. These different groups lived in different quarters of the town but were closely related socio-politically. living in Lokoja, the Superior then was Fr. What Nonsense Is This? History has it that, there are many reasons why Lokoja is a special place in Nigerian history. Lokoja was ruledby the following Maigari of Lokoja (Hamza, Dauda, Musa, Muhammadu Maikarfi, Abigel) that the British installed who claim to be converted to Islam and called Bukar and reside at Yaragi Madabo Junction of Lokoja as the then new Lokoja palace. colonialist, confluence, florence lugard, history, lakwaja, lokoja, lord lugard, nigeria, river niger and benue. This cosmopolitan nature have remains to date, the dilemma of Lokoja as various ethnic groups-notably the Oworo, Nupe, Igbirra, Hausa, Igala-lay claim to the ownership of the town. ( Log Out /  The town is situated in the tropical Wet and Dry savanna climate zone of Nigeria, and temperature remains hot all year round. During the colonial era, a number of Northern feudal lords who vehemently opposed colonial rule and domination of their territories by the European imperialists were banished to Lokoja as punishment by the Colonialists. The town grew to become cosmopolitan settlement peopled mostly by different ethnic groups from the middle belt and Hausa from the northern Nigeria. [1] While the Nupe, Hausa, Yoruba, Igala and Ebira are indigenous to the area, other ethnic groups of Nigeria, including the Igbo, Bini/Edo and Tiv, have recently established themselves. History. Defiant Adu-Boahen’s Sins Chasing NPP? Iron ore deposits serve the nearby Ajaokuta mill. It lies at the confluence of the Niger and Benue rivers and is the capital of Nigeria's Kogi State. Lokoja Urban Area Population History. It is said that they migrated from Baro and some parts of present-day Niger Stateto the confluence of the Niger and Benue … ( Log Out /  Lokoja town is situated on the slope of a range of hills, Mount Patti. Given the multiethnic nature of the town, there are various festivals, events and socio-cultural activities depending on the people group. Many youths of this generation knew little or nothing about the popular Lokoja city of today. The steel revolution may yet still happen as the Nigerian Government have recently talked about bringing the steel mill and other government industries back to life. In 1885 and 1886 two of the priests died, though the mission of Lokoja could not be abandoned for it was in the heart of the country. Kogi is contiguous to nine(9) states in Nigeria and is essentially a transit route to sixteen other states including the Fct. The state capital, Lokoja is an ancient historical town which once served as the colonial administrative headquarters of Nigeria. (Prog Olugbemiro Jegede). Even the Patti word is a Nupe word meaning hill, Mount Patti hill and other surrounding hills are hunting area of the Lokoja people, at Mount Patti there is aged three that most of the former hunters write their name in Ajami and the Latin script, that will make you observe that there is no settlement at Mount Patti. ( Log Out /  Our History: Kogi State Polytechnic was established in December 1992 by the 1st and 2nd Executive Governor of Kogi State, Prince Abub akar Audu through an amended edict No. However, there are other groups apart from the ones mentioned above but they are classified as temporary visitors and non indigenous. February 21, 1955: Established as Apostolic Prefecture of Kabba from the Diocese of Benin City, Diocese of Kaduna and Apostolic Prefecture of Oturkpo; July 6, 1964: Promoted as Diocese of Kabba; May 5, 1965: Renamed as Diocese of Lokoja 5 hours ago, NPP conceded defeat in 2008 election for prioritising sancti... They interacted freely and tolerated one another. Present day Lokoja is ruled by the Maigari (chief) of Lokoja, and his 12 Hakimi (Sub chiefs) It is important to note however, that each group have their own local criteria: for example, the Maigari has no jurisdiction over the Olu of Oworo, but he does have authority over Ganaja, Kwakware, Sarkin Numa, Adankolo, ward A to ward E and other villages of the Lokoja Holland that is the Salkawa people. Residential districts are of varying density, and the city has various suburbs such as Felele, Adankolo, Otokiti and Ganaja. This area eventually became a center of trade. It is also home to Kogi State Polytechnic and the newly established Federal University Lokoja.[4]. 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Lokoja like many other cities in Nigeria belong to Nigeria, it is located in the heart of Nigeria, in the present North Central of the federal republic, a former capital of the British northern protectorate and it also remained a convenient administrative town for the British colonial government after the amalgamation of the northern and southern protectorates into one nation called Nigeria in 1914. Lokoja is the trade and distribution center for an agricultural (chiefly cotton) region and has food-processing industries. Lokoja (lōkōjä´), town (1987 est. Other subsequent settlers into the city include the Yoruba (mainstream), the Igala, the Igbirra (Igbirra Tao and Igbirra Koto), and the Bassa-Nge people. [2] The first Governor-General, Sir Frederick Lugard, governed the new nation of Nigeria from Lokoja. Till date, many relations of the European workers of the united African trading company (UTC), soldiers as well as missionaries buried in the European commentaries in Lokoja are trooping to the state to see the tomb of their departed great grandparents and pay tribute to them. Professor Olayemi Akinwumi PhD, FHSN, AvHF, MNAL is a Distinguished Professor of History at Nasarawa State University, Keffi, Nigeria since 2005. These include the Igbo, Tiv, Edo, etc. The town in its growth runs down the scope and expands into the Niger River valley. Lokoja, town and river port, capital of Kogi state, south-central Nigeria, located on the west bank of the Niger River opposite the mouth of the Benue River. It opened up the city to all Nigerians and allowed all and sundry to draw from the fountain of the Niger with insatiable quest for knowledge of discovery. The postal code of the area is 260.[5]. For instance, the Agbo masquerade festival is celebrated by the Oworo people between the months of March and April every year. The present modern settlement at Lokoja was established in 1857 by the British explorer William Baikie at the site of an earlier model farm constructed during the failed Niger expedition of 1841. Lokoja is a city in Nigeria , It lies at the confluence of the Niger rivers and Benue rivers and is the capital of Kogi State . Atabor Julius wrote that, the magnificent river Niger and river Benue meet in Lokoja, forming the famous confluence from which Kogi derives its official sobriquet (The confluence state). Notable among the deposed Emirs who perfected the traditional form of distance learning included the Late Emir of Bida, Mallam Mohammed Baashir, deposed in 1901, the late Emir of Zaria, Mallam Aliyu Dansidi and the late emir of Kano, Mallam Aliyu Abdullahi deposed in 1903. Lokoja lies about 7.8023° North of the equator and 6.7333° E east of the Meridian. [2] The Ebira , Bassa Nge , Nupe , Igala are indigenous to the area, other ethnic groups of Nigeria , including the Igbo , Bini / Edo , and Tiv , have recently established themselves. Federal University, Lokoja has been official accredited and/or recognized by the National Universities Commission (NUC), Nigeria. It is located at the confluence of … Fourth, the first course writing and instructional material development of the National open university of Nigeria meeting took place in Lokoja in 2002. Au XXe siècle, le premier gouverneur général britannique, Sir Frederick Lugard, gouverne les deux protectorats nord et sud du Nigeria depuis Lokoja . This prompts the writing of this piece to expose the significance of the historical city of Lokoja as a means of appreciating this ancient city of freedom fighters, educators, emancipators and liberators. Change ), You are commenting using your Google account. Different ethnic groups lay claim to having named the city. History of Parish. These forerunners of the Nigeria style of open and distance learning have their graves in Lokoja and should constitute an interesting tourist attraction. Whatever the case may be, it is difficult to categorically state in what order any or each of these groups came after the Oworos to settle in Lokoja town. British merchants established a trading post at the Benue-Niger confluence in the late 1850s, and in 1860 the Scottish explorer William Balfour Baikie founded Lokoja. Lokoja remained a convenient administrative town for the British colonial government after the amalgamation of Northern and Southern Nigeria in 1914. Moreso, the other Okuns also celebrate the Oro / Egungun festival while generally, the fishermen in Lokoja celebrate the Donkwo fishing festival and this also comes up in March/April. After the amalgamation of Southern and Northern protectorate in 1914, the new Governor General, Lord Lugard ruled Nigeria from Lokoja. When Dr William Balfour Baikie arrived at Lokoja first in 1854 and later in 1857, through his efforts and encouragements, the people descended from Lokoja. Lokoja is a city in Nigeria. He had his higher education at the University of Ilorin where he obtained his Bachelor’s degree in 1985 followed by Master’s and PhD degrees in History in the same university. Today, Lokoja is the state capital of Kogi State, a state carved out from kwara and Benue State in 1991. Do you want to find out the list of courses you can study at the Federal University, Lokoja (FULOKOJA)? Below are the list of high-quality courses on offer at the Federal University, Lokoja. History has it that, there are many reasons why Lokoja is a special place in Nigerian history. The kingdom was founded by the Igala, with its capital at Idah. History Of Lokoja. Lokoja is a city in Nigeria. History. Olayemi Akinwumi, a Professor of African history and Deputy Vice-Chancellor at the Nasarawa State University, Keffi, has been appointed as the new Vice-Chancellor of Federal University, Lokoja. A Brief Geography and History of Lokoja Lokoja is the only city and State capital in Nigeria that is squarely situated at a confluence of West Africa’s major rivers, the Rivers Niger and Benue, where both rivers merge and flow southwards into the Atlantic Ocean. The Polytechnic took off in January 1993 at the Government Science Secondary School, Lokoja and Osara Campus with Dr. Isa I.A. Near Lokoja, in Ajaokuta, are metallurgy facilities and iron ore mines. Although, Lokoja is a major historical trading city, but it is not as relevant as it used to be now. 1950 12,000. The late Bishop Samuel Ajayi Crowther spearheaded anti-slavery crusade in Nigeria and erected the Iron of liberty at a spot where slaves were set free in Lokoja. Lokoja is also a Local Government Area of Kogi State with an area of 3,180 km² and a population of 195,261 at the 2006 census. The commentaries which are located in three different places within Lokoja Township hold six to eight hundred graves of Africans and Europeans tomb which was said to have largest contraption of European graveyard in Nigeria. The FCT Minister of State, Dr Ramatu Aliyu, has lauded the appointment of Prof Olayemi Akinwumi, as the new Vice-Chancellor of the Federal University Lokoja. According to Ad Ali, Lokoja rose to fame due to its location at the confluence of the two great waterways in West Africa, the Niger and Benue Rivers. It is located on the intersecting point of longitude 70 49’N and latitude 60 44’E on the map of Nigeria. These claim and counterclaim is said to have affected the development of the town since Nigeria's independence. First, Lokoja was the first administrative and commercial capital of Nigeria when Lord Lugard became the Governor General of Nigeria after Mungo Park and Richard and John Landers explored the River Niger in 1830's. With all these historical references, Lokoja is no doubt a city of historical importance located strategically. Porrier. European penetration into Lokoja in the early 19th century represents a significant landmark in the history of the town. Second, Lokoja was said to be a prominent centre for slave trade in the 18th and 19thcenturies due to its strategic location and later served as a centre for freedom. Lokoja is the first settlement of British in Nigeria, In fact, the name Nigeria was coined by flora Shaw in Lokoja, a British journalist who later married Fredrick Lugard, and as it was said, Flora coined the name Nigeria while gazing out at the River that stretched before her in the late 19th century. Besides all these, historical relics such as the Lugard House, the first primary school in northern Nigeria, the first cantonment church, the first hospital in northern Nigeria, iron of liberty, graveyards of the deposed emirs and Europeans commentaries are major tourism potentials which continue to attract people from all works of life to the town. The city’s population has since grown to an estimated count of over 90,000 inhabitants. What the colonialists did not realise was that, these Emirs used distance education method to keep in constant touch with their subject and were continually a step ahead of the colonialists who never seized to be amazed at how informed and intelligent the people they sought to colonize were. Modern Ghana will not be responsible or liable for any inaccurate or incorrect statements contained in this article. Because of its location, Lokoja served as a commercial rendezvous during the east west kolanut trade in West Africa. [clarification needed] This was the status quo until the Europeans arrived. pop. The author has 57 publications published on Modern Ghana.Column: AbdulrazaqOHamzat, Disclaimer: "The views/contents expressed in this article are the sole responsibility of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect those of Modern Ghana. An informative website bringing to you latest news from Lokoja and beyond. According to European historical records, Lokoja was said to have been founded by one William Balfour Baikie, but in reality, there have been indigenous people living in the area for thousands of years before the arrival of the europeans. Un établissement anglais plus important est fondé à Lokoja dans les années 1850 par l'explorateur britannique William Balfour Baikie. Lokoja is a city in Nigeria. It is said that they migrated from Baro and some parts of present-day Niger state to the confluence of the Niger and Benue rivers. 5 hours ago, Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu urges politicians to reconcile differences, NPP conceded defeat in 2008 election for prioritising sancti, Use Christmas to remember the poor — Otabil. It was said that the city was supposed to accommodate born steel industry, but only the Ajaokuta steel mill which was served by the abundant Iron Ore deposite later find its presence in the city and more recently, the Dangote cement factory. It lies at the confluence of the Niger and Benue rivers and is the capital of Kogi State. Professor Olayemi Akinwumi is a Distinguished Professor of History at Nasarawa State University,Keffi, Nigeria since 2005. Recommended Links: FULOKOJA Cut Off Marks. It opened up the city to all Nigerians and allowed all and sundry to draw from the fountain of the Niger … Olayemi Akinwumi, a Professor of African History and Deputy Vice-Chancellor at the Nasarawa State University, Keffi, has been appointed the new Vice-Chancellor of Federal University, Lokoja. 45,600), central Nigeria, at the junction of the Niger and Benue rivers. First, Lokoja was the first administrative and commercial capital of Nigeria when Lord Lugard became the Governor General of Nigeria after Mungo Park and Richard and John Landers explored the River Niger in 1830's. History of Igala Kingdom. The migrations of these groups to the area could be in part accounted for by its nearness to the banks of the Niger and Benue rivers. He did this through Muhammadu Maikarfi, then the Maigari of Lokoja, in which after he demise the white men use their power and give it to their servant by the Abigel Which was converted to Islam and name him as Bukar, mean Abubakar in Kanuri tun. Change ), You are commenting using your Twitter account. The migrations of these groups to the area could be in part accounted for by its nearness to the banks of the Niger and Benue rivers. While the Nupe, Hausa, Yoruba, Igala and Ebira are indigenous to the area, other ethnic groups of Nigeria, including the Igbo, Bini/Edo and … The Superior then was Fr icon to Log in: You are commenting using Google! Professor of history at Nasarawa State University, Lokoja is no doubt a city of today varying density and! Belt and Hausa from the Northern Nigeria the city to strive again, 1964 Promoted... People between the months of March and April every year ruled Nigeria Lokoja... Although, Lokoja, lord Lugard, governed the new Governor General, lord Lugard, history lakwaja. The Igbo, Tiv, Edo, etc distance learning have their graves in Lokoja and should constitute interesting... That time is Alhaji Muhammadu Maikarfi are commenting using your WordPress.com account of Northern and Southern in... 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