Kogi State @ 35 – 27th August 1991 to August 27 ,2026
Good morning and Happy 35th Anniversary to Kogi State!
Today, 27th August, we mark 35 years since Kogi State was created in 1991.
Thirty five years of being Nigeria’s Confluence where the Niger meets the Benue, and where North meets South.
What has creation given us?
It brought government closer to our people.
It gave Igala, Ebira, Okun, Bassa, Nupe and all our communities a home to grow our culture, our schools, and our institutions.
It gave us Ajaokuta, Obajana, our universities, and a voice at the national table.
What are our prospects?
Kogi is blessed. Blessed with land for agriculture, minerals for industry, and a location that makes us the gateway of Nigeria.
If we harness this, the next 30 years can be the years of jobs, prosperity, and peace.
What are our challenges?
We must admit them: division, insecurity, and uncompleted dreams like Ajaokuta. But challenges are not the end of the story.
The lesson for us is simple
At the confluence, waters do not fight , they merge to become stronger. That must be Kogi’s model. Cooperation across zones, justice for all, and putting our people first.
As we celebrate today, let us renew our commitment: to build one Kogi, where every son and daughter, from Yagba to Ankpa, from Okene to Lokoja, feels at home.
35years of creation, unity, and growth at the meeting point of Rivers Niger & Benue
Good morning and what a day to celebrate
35 years of Kogi!
SIGNIFICANCE OF THE CREATION – 27th August 1991
Kogi was carved out of Kwara and Benue States by the military government under Gen. Ibrahim Babangida.
Why it mattered:
Administrative Convenience
People in Okun, Ebira, Igala and other areas were far from Ilorin and Makurdi. before State creation which brought the government closer.
Identity & Representation
It gave distinct ethnic groups — Igala, Ebira, Okun Yoruba, Bassa, Nupe, Kakanda — their own platform to preserve culture and access power.
Strategic Location
Kogi sits at Nigeria’s geographic center and the confluence of Niger & Benue.
It became the literal bridge linking North and South.
BENEFITS OF CREATION TO CITIZENS IN 35 YEARS
Proximity of Government
State ministries, LGA secretariats, hospitals, schools are now within reach. Citizens no longer travel to Ilorin or Makurdi for state services.
Infrastructure Development
Lokoja became a capital city. Roads like Abuja-Lokoja-Okene, bridges, Kogi State University [now Prince Abubakar Audu University], Kogi State Polytechnic and others recently established
Employment & Civil Service
Thousands of Kogites gained jobs in the state civil service, teaching, health, and politics that wouldn’t have existed.
Cultural Preservation
Festivals like Ohimege, Ovia Osese, and Egungun got state backing. Our diverse languages and traditions are now documented and celebrated.
Resource Control
Derivation and federal allocation now come directly to Kogi to develop Kogi. Key assets: Ajaokuta Steel, Obajana Cement, and vast agriculture and solid minerals.
PROSPECTS FOR THE NEXT 30 YEARS
Kogi is called The Confluence State for a reason it’s positioned to connect.
Industrial Hub
Ajaokuta Steel , Obajana, Dangote Cement , Itakpe Iron Ore are potential to be Nigeria’s steel and manufacturing corridor.
Agriculture Powerhouse
Rich soil for yam, cassava, rice, cashew. With irrigation from Niger/Benue, Kogi can feed the North-Central and beyond.
Trade & Transport
River ports, railway, and highway links to Abuja, South-South, and South-West make Lokoja a logistics hub.
Tourism
Confluence, Mount Patti, Lord Lugard House, colonial relics. Come to where Nigeria meets.
Human Capital
State Universities, Colleges, and a young population. If skilled, they can drive tech and services.
CHALLENGES IN THE LAST 35 YEARS
Unity in Diversity
Managing Igala, Ebira, Okun and minority interests in appointments, projects, and politics has been tough. to drive peace and harmony
Infrastructure Deficit
Need for rural roads, schools, and hospitals Ajaokuta Steel rehabilitated to work at full capacity.
Security
Farmer-herder clashes, kidnapping on Abuja-Lokoja roads, and communal conflicts have affected peace and investment.
Economic Diversification
Over-reliance on federal allocation while cement/steel. Agriculture and SMEs are yet to be fully tapped.
Governance & Accountability
Brain drain of professionals, and need for stronger institutions.
LESSONS FOR THE FUTURE
As Kogi enters the year 36, here are 5 lessons for considerations
Cooperation Over Division
The strength of Kogi is its confluence. When Igala, Ebira, Okun and minorities cooperate, Kogi wins. When we divide, we all lose.
Leverage Location
No state is better placed to link North-South trade. We must build roads, river ports, and digital connectivity to be Nigeria’s logistics heart.
From Cement to Steel to SMEs
Let’s complete Ajaokuta, but also support farmers, artisans, and youth tech hubs. Jobs must go beyond the government
.
Peace building is Development
Without peace between communities and zones, no investor will come. Early warning, dialogue, and justice must be institutionalized.
Invest in People
Education, health, and skills. The real mineral of Kogi is its people.
35 years ago, Kogi was created so citizens could govern themselves closer to home.
Today, the task is to make that government work for all across every senatorial zone.
At the confluence, rivers don’t fight. They merge and become stronger. That is Kogi’s destiny.
Happy 35th Anniversary to Kogi State 🎉
Proudly the Heart of Nigeria.
– Benjamin Ibrahim writes from Lokoja, Kogi state.
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