Kogi State, Nigeria ( Overview, History and Summary Information) — State — Nickname(s): The Confluence State Location of Kogi State in Nigeria Coordinates: 7°30′N 6°42′E / 7.5°N 6.7°E Coordinates : 7°30′N 6°42′E / 7.5°N 6.7°E Country Nigeria Date created 27 August 1991 Capital Lokoja Government - Governor (List) Ibrahim Idris (PDP) - Senators - Representatives Area - Total 29,833 km 2 (11,518.6 sq mi) Area rank 13th of 36 Population (1991 census) - Total 2,099,046 - Estimate (2005) 3,595,789 - Rank 24th of 36 - Density 70.4/km 2 (182.2/sq mi) GDP (PPP) - Year 2007 - Total $4.64 billion - Per capita $1,386 [1] Time zone WAT (UTC+01) ISO 3166 code NG-KO Kogi is a state in the south of Nigeria. It is popularly called the Confluence State because the confluence of River Niger and River Benue is at its capital, Lokoja, which is the first administrative capital of modern-day Nigeria. It was in Lokoja, while gazing out at the river that stretched before her, that Lord Lugards wife coined the name “Nigeria.” Lokoja is a few miles to the south of Abuja. History and people The state was formed in 1991 from parts of Kwara State and Benue State. The State as presently constituted, comprises the peoples of the defunct Kabba Province of Northern Nigeria. There are three main ethnic groups and languages in Kogi: Igala, Ebira, and Okun (similar to Yoruba) with other minorities like Bassa, a small fraction of Nupe mainly in Lokoja, Gwari, Kakanda, Oworo people (similar to Yoruba),ogori magongo and the Eggan community under Lokoja Local Government. Local Government Areas Kogi State contains 21 of Nigerias 774 Local Government Areas. They are: Adavi Ajaokuta Ankpa Bassa Dekina Ibaji Idah Igalamela-Odolu Ijumu Kabba/Bunu Kogi Lokoja Mopa-Muro Ofu Ogori/Magongo Okehi Okene Olamaboro Omala Yagba East Yagba West Tourism Kogi State, by virtue of its geography, offers tourists unique experience. These attractions include natural land features, fascinating sceneries, historic monuments and relics. Being only 2-hour drive from Abuja, tourists can plan day trips to the sites. Important tourist attractions in Kogi State include the colonial relics (such as Lord Lugard House), the confluence of Rivers Niger and Benue, Ogidi (An African town with formations of Igneous Rock mountains and a traditional art & craft industry). Transport and communications Kogi State connects the Federal Capital Territory with 22 Southern States. Being in close proximity to the federal capital territory, Abuja International Airport serves as the national and international gateway for air travellers from and to the state. Good telecommunications services are available in the state. Agriculture and resources Agriculture is the mainstay of the economy and the principal cash crops There are many Farm, produce from the state notably coffee, cocoa, palm oil, cashews, groundnuts, maize, cassava, yam, rice and melon. Mineral resources include coal, limestone, iron, petroleum and tin. The state is home to the largest iron and steel industry in Nigeria known as Ajaokuta Steel Company Limited.One of the largest cement factories in Africa,the Obajana Cement Factory has been built there.This cement company is a subsidiary of Dangote Group owned by a multi-Billionaire business mogul,Alhaji Aliko Dangote. Education Kogi state is home to the Kogi State University. Sports Kogi State has produced sprinters such as Sunday Bada and other sportsmen, who have contributed to the growth of sports worldwide. Kogi United and Babanawa F.C. are football teams based in the state. Other sports, such as swimming, handball, and table tennis are actively promoted in the state. Among other sportsmen produce by the state is Shola Ameobi, an Ayetoro Gbede born Ijumu English footballer, currently playing for Newcastle United as a striker.
Posted on: Wed, 27 Aug 2014 22:20:00 +0000