Kogi state popularly known as the ‘confluence state officially clocks 23 years on August 27, 2014. Lokoja, the Kogi state capital symbolizes unity; it’s a meeting point of the river Niger and Benue, a place where two rivers combine. Kogites are the middle way between two extremes, and consequently we are always moderate. Blessed with rich land and fertile crescents for agriculture, scenic riverscapes for fishing, and bounteous natural resources for industries and lots more.
With all the great investment of human and natural resources, the state is existing below its potential, Kogi state is still a toddler – A toddler with elephantiasis. A toddler is an erratic stage of a child between the cognitive ages of 1-3 years old. Kogi state is a toddler when compared to other states like Lagos, Oyo, Kano and other states created several decades ago. The state is suffering from chronic economic malaise and political obstructions which has really caused serious under development and set back to the citizens. Like a toddler with Elephantiasis, it has a virus infected swelling of the legs. No strength, no progress but sickly development and motion.
The world Health Organization (WHO) describes the disease as Lymphatic Filariasis, commonly known as elephantiasis; it’s a neglected tropical disease. The infection occurs when filarial parasites are transmitted to humans through mosquitoes. The infection is usually acquired in childhood causing hidden damages to the lymphatic system.
Having undergone a thorough assessment and reassessment of the present pathetic state of Kogi state as evident in the under development, high unemployment rates of the youths, bad roads, decayed infrastructure and wanton corruptions; Kogi state can best be best described as a state in a motion without movement. We are far below other states like Osun, Ekiti and a host of others created 23 years ago by Ibrahim Badamosi Babangida (IBB).
Soberly, my heart bleeds for the confluence state which is supposed to be the pride of Africa and the world at large due to her strategic location and abundant resources. It is very disturbing that despite the fact that Kogi is surrounded by water there is no sea port. It’s so worrisome that, 23 years after creation, residents of Lokoja the state capital still buy water on a daily basis (though surrounded by large bodies of waters). There is water everywhere but yet no water to drink. What a pity!
In the immortal Words of Frantz Fanon, he said that “each generation must out of relative obscurity discover its mission; the task is either to fulfill it or betray it”. Fellow Kogites at home and in the Diaspora, the celebration of today called for a sober reflection with the view to collectively reposition Kogi state for the overall national development.
