Kogi State was created on the 27th of August 1991. Among other reasons, it was primarily conceived out of the need to give strength to the minority group in a unique way. That perhaps partly explain why there are so many ethnic groups existing within the state.
When people make statements such as “You are from Kogi State, right? How come you are bearing a Yoruba name?” At such times, I am forced to explain the complexity and simple nature of the state. I start by saying; “Kogi state was originally carved from state x and y. There are at least ten states sharing borders with us and that is why some can fluently speak Hausa, Igbo and the Yoruba language.
At such instance, the fellow will often throw up another puzzling question. “You are from the north, right?” My reply has always stirred up a debate but I will save it for another day. It will interest you to know that Kogi State use to be a former administrative territory for the entire country and is today, still famous for hosting the marriage between River Niger and River Benue. The entire history of the Kogi people cannot be entirely consumed on a piece of paper.
I certainly care to know the perspective of an outsider about my state because in so doing, the dirty linen can get cleaned.
In the year 2012, I traveled alongside some easterners from Abuja heading to Anambra. It was during the first year of President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan administration. In those days, the Abuja/Lokoja road was in a relatively poor shape. There were scores of abandoned vehicles on both sides. Evidently, they were as a result of many accidents and… Three hours later, we arrived the Confluence capital. On both sides of the road, we were welcomed by brown zinc houses and only a very few modern ones. Many were the things we saw but the road leading from Kabba Junction up to Okene/Auchi reminded our soul about living in bondage and at the same time smiling.
“Nawa oh, which kind yama yama road be dis?” The question was asked by a frustrated pregnant woman. I wanted to tell her that the people of Kogi deserved better but like the many sorry situations evident in most States, our hands are tied. It is the government against the people- a narrative that has become an inalienable feature of Nigerianness.
It’s been over eight years now. Today, the narrative hasn’t really changed. Sadly, Okene/Auchi road is a route with many death ends. On that route, calamities such as kidnap, robbery, herdsmen attack and accidents can befall an unsuspecting traveler. What more
According to stories told by travelers, axis such as the Felele road leading toKogi Poly has become a burial site of some sort. Same applies to other routes such as those leading to Obolo from Ankpa, Okene to Kabba, Kabba to Ayetoro Gbede and so many others. Indeed, the people have been marooned for far too long. There is much to be done. The government may be doing her best but her best is simply not enough.
Except for a few axis such as Obajana, Okene, Lokoja and Ajaokuta, the issue of epileptic power supply is a major source of concern. In the year 2019, for instance, electric power supply to Ijumu local government area took a nosedive. It is believed that the only way to get steady power supply are in the instances of political election, ceremonial event or propaganda. Small and medium scale enterprises need all the social support they can get so as to sustain their businesses. Unfortunately, there is no guarantee towards this end.
Truth is, there is no one narrative that suits everybody. However, if situations are told to please the power that be, we will only find ourselves in a never-ending-circle.
The opportunity to rewrite a new progressive narrative may never arise. Even so, as I journey along the many routes of Kogi state, I am pleased to see the emergence of facilities such as a modern hospital in Okene, a university in Osara, a possible flyover in Ganaja, advocacy for re-awakening Ajaokuta steel, concrete road leading from Obajana to Kabba, modern town hall in Anyigba, a facelift in Kogi State University…
More is still expected. Maybe some day and very soon, Kogi state will be looked upon as a Joseph in Egypt. And if the spirit of oneness is birthed again, we will be heading to the promised land.
– Olayinka Kayode Kingsley
Email contact: olayinkakayodekingsley@gmail.com
