Bordered by 10 states including the Federal Capital Territory the 25 year old Kogi State was created out of Kwara and Benue states in 1991. Since this time Kogi state has grown in tremendous leaps and bounds. The State boasts of a rich cultural heritage in the uniqueness of its indeginous ethnic groups which are the Igala, Ebira, Okun Bassa-Nge, Bassa- Komo, Kakanda, Kupa, Ogori-Magongo, Nupe, Oworo and Gwari ethnic groups.
The State which has a rich colonial history and breath takingly beautiful land marks also boasts of amazing tourist destinations, sights, an amazing pre colonial and post colonial history. Lokoja the State's capital was the first administrative centre of Nigeria, It served as the first capital of the old Northern protectorate and even after the amalgamation of the Northern and Southern protectorate in 1914. For Nigerians and International tourists alike who are looking for the perfect globetrotting and excursionist experience here are 25 top tourist destinations in Kogi State.
1, The Palace of the Ohinoyi of Ebira Land in Okene
Reputed to be the most beautiful palace in West Africa. The grand palace edifice which was built in 1927 was constructed with the combination of ancient and mordern architecture. The palace serves as a political, historic, traditional and religious power house for the Ebira Kingdom.
2, The Statue of Inikpi in Idah
Situated at Ega in the heart of Idah Ancient market the statue of princess Inikpi serves as a reminder of the bravery of Princess Inikpi the beautiful daughter of Ayegbu Omo Idoko, the Atta of Igala who gave her life to forestall the destruction of the Igala people by the Jukuns. It is said that when the Jukun army advanced to destroy the Igala kingdom they saw the whole kingdom in flames and retreated feeling that there was no need taking war to a place that was already on fire. The supposed fire the Jukuns saw is said to be the blood of Inikpi.
3, The Awo Tunnel in Idah
The tunnel which is about one Kilometer long was dug during the reign of Onaja Obani in the 18th century and it served as a hiding place for the royal family during the wars in Idah.
4, The 400 year old Odogo Tower in Idah
The Aadouge (Odogo) tower is a historical edifice used by the then Attah of Igala Oma'Idoko as a watch tower for survelliance on the activities of enemies of the Igala Kingdom (The Junkuns and the Benin people) the 400 year old Odogo tower made of local materials has survived the elements and still stands to this day.
5, The Koton- Karfe Cave
The Koton-Karfe cave has three openings on the elevated side of a hill directly over looking Koton-Karfe. The cave is said to be able to accomodate up to 500 persons.
6, Eganja warm spring in Bassa
The natural warm spring is said to be found in Eganja in the Bassa Local Government area of Kogi State.
7, The Ofejiji Fall in Okura
Located in Okura-Olafia the Ofejiji water fall is a major tourist destination in Kogi State.
8, Okoro-Agbo Mountain
Besides the popular Mount Patti, the Okoro-Agbo mount is yet another spectacular hill formation located in Ogidi in the Ijumu Local Government area of the State.
9, The National Museum, Lokoja
The National Museum was established in 1989. Located in Lokoja the state capital of Kogi State the museum collections focus on Nigeria's colonial history and ethnography. The museum also houses relics and momentos of Lord Frederick Lugard including his properties and records of his administration.
10, The Aafin-Kabba
The Aafin-Kabba is the old Obaro’s palace located in the Kabba LGA. It is built of mud and believed to be about two centuries old.
11, The Confleunce of River Niger and Benue
Rivers Niger and Benue are the two largest rivers in West Africa and the two rivers meet at Lokoja forming a Y shaped structure and draining southwards into the ocean. River Niger remained a marvel to the Europeans until John and Richard Landers passed through the confleunce in 1830 completing the journey that Mungo Park had earlier started. The confleunce of this two great rivers can be clearly seen from the top of Mount Patti. Both rivers have distinct colours, River Benue is light green in colour and River Niger is brown in colour. Ferry and Boat cruise services are available with in view of the confleunce. Due to the presence of the rivers there is an abundance of fish in the Kogi State.
12, Mount Patti in Lokoja
Mount Patti which gets its name from the Nupe word for Hill stands at 452 meters above sea level over the city of Lokoja. Nigeria's Premier Governor General, Lord Frederick Lugard who ruled between 1914 and 1919 discovered the beauty and strategic position of this massive hill which once provided refuge to the Nupe natives who were its earliest inhabitants. In the year 1900, Lord Frederick Lugard built a rest house a top the hill so he could enjoy the panaromic view of the scenary around Lokoja.The hill also offers a good view of the confleunce of the Benue and Niger Rivers. The serene ambience and cool weather on Mount Patti is a clear contrast to the prevailing hot weather in Lokoja, despite it's lush vegetation there are no traces of mosquitoes anywhere on the hill.
13, The Egah Ane Bridge
The Egah Ane bridge deserves to be one of the seven wonders of the world. This natural bridge serves as a boundary between the Ofu and Olamaboro Local Government areas of Kogi state. The bridge located along Ejule-Otukpa branch is said to have been in existence for over a century is so durable that even heavy duty vehicles like trucks and lorries can move over this natural brigde without a hitch.
14, The Inacholo River in Idah
The Inacholo river which served as a boundary between the Jukuns and Igala people was cursed by then Attah of Igala as a measure of preventing Jukuns from entering Igala land through the river. Due to this curse it said that no fish from this river is to be eaten. The popular believe is that when a fish caught from the Inacholo river is caught for cooking it will never get cooked no matter how long it stays on fire.
15, The Ogegen-Osi in Magongo
Located at the eastern part of Magongo in a range of mountains that flows from the Agheva axis down to Edo state. It consists of a huge cave that can house between 300-500 persons. Legend has it that whenever there was a war the cave served as shelter for the whole community. During the Ajinomo war by the Nupe's who tried to invade the region to capture slaves for the white man it is said that the people of Magongo ran to the top of the Ogengen-Osi and when they saw their enemies approaching they rolled stones from atop the Ogengen-Osi on their enemies. During Owiya-Osese festival(festival of chastity) thousands of people flock to the Ogengen-Osi on the Friday before the festival to see the wonderful works of mother nature on the Ogengen-Osi. Some its features include stones that interlock with each other to form seats, crevices that are so big they could almost pass as rooms. From atop the Ogengen-Osi there is a panoramic view of the entire village down to Edo State. The water in Ogengen-Osi is said to never run dry and has healing properties.
16, The Colonial Water works in Agbaja
The Agbaja community rests atop a plateau, the plateau which is 335 meters above sea level is 14 kilometers from Lokoja. the colonial water works was built in 1950 to meet the water needs of the Oworo people. The contraption which powered water from below the valley to the the top of the valley for the entire community can still be seen in Agbaja till this day.
17, Colonial Rest House in Agbaja
The colonial rest houses were built by the colonial administrators as a resting place after a long days work. The Houses which were built years before the Nigerian Independence still stand atop the plateau and have since become a popular tourist attractions.
18, Oluwo Hole in Agbaja
The Oworo festival is done in commeration of the Oluwo hole. The Oluwo hole is a large hole located in a rock. It is said that during wars people ran into the hole to seek refuge, anytime the hole is worshipped by the Oworo people it is said to bring rain. During the Oworo festival, there are competitions of all sorts including the Masquerade competition were contestants go as far as tying the legs of opponents to prevent their masquerades from dancing well.
19, The Iron of Liberty in Lokoja
The Iron of Liberty refers to the spot were slaves were freed in 1860 by anti slavery British crusaders. The Iron of Liberty is one of the most significant leftovers of slavery in Kogi State. It is said that any slave who touched the Iron Liberty instantly regained their freedom. The Iron Liberty is situated on a landed property owned by the Holy Trinity Church in Lokoja. The land also holds the final resting place of Bishop Samuel Ajayi Crowther.
20, Holy Trinity Primary School in Lokoja
The first primary school in northern Nigeria was founded by Bishop Samuel Ajayi Crowther in 1860. The Holy Trinity Primary School to a very large extent pioneered the spread of education in northern Nigeria. Students came from far and wide to acquire western education in the school. The school stil remains in Lokoja till this day.
21, Lord Lugards Residence and Office in Lokoja
The building which used to be the seat of administrative power in Nigeria was constructed in 1901. The prefabricated structure was said to have been brought to Lokoja from England in 1900. It is said that no single nail was used in its construction.
22, World War Cenotaph in Lokoja
The cenotaph was built in memory of soldiers who lost their lives during the Second World War. This is a massive concrete block on top of which is mounted an old artillery. Beside it are light cannons and machine guns mounted on small pavements and the names of the soldiers who distinguished themselves during the wars were written on tables mounted on the side of the cenotaph.
23, Osome Falls in Okene
Located in Ukpogo, Okene local Government area of Kogi state.the Osome falls begins as a stream that winds its way through vast igneous rocks of varying heights and sharply descends into a valley about 50m below the towering rocks, producing thunderous sounds which could be heard about one hundred metres away.
24, The European Cemetry in Lokoja
The biggest European cementary in Nigeria with remains of european soldiers of the West African Frontier Force (WAFF) in Lokoja until 1926 and those of European missionaries. Some of the tomb stones in the cementaries date as far back as 1867.
25, 100 year old Boabab tree on Mount Patti
On pount Patti rests a boabab tree believed to be over a 100 years old. The tree stands adjacent to Lord's Lugard guest house. Tourists on ascending Mount Patti are known to inscribe their names or initials on the tree. This they believe will serve as evidence that they have been to Mount Patti. The tree is believed to also contain healing attributes and is used by by herbalists and spiritualists for ritual purposes. A lot of charms can be seen hanging on the the tree.
Report by Eunice Emmanuel-Bagi for shinkafa.blogspot.com
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