Kogi State

This past week I was in a workshop all Wednesday and Thursday and a bunch of phone calls and meetings. Not too exciting to write about. Instead, I will tell you about where I am going this week. I am going to sign an MOU with the State government of a state close by called Kogi. Here is a bit about Kogi:

KOGI

Kogi is a state in the north-central zone 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 Lugard's wife coined the name “Nigeria.” Lokoja is 2-hour drive from 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 four main ethnic groups and languages in Kogi: Igala, Ebira, Okun (similar to Yoruba), and Bassa.

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).

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, peanuts, 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 and one the largest cement factories in Africa is currently being built there.

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.

Here is where it is on the Nigerian map:

LANGUAGE

I have learned a few phases from another language, Efik:

Mesere= Good morning

Abariye= How are you?

Idioke= Fine

Also, in Yoruba i have been saying:

Bawo ni shey= How is work?

In Hausa I have added:
ina zaki tefi= Where are you going?

Zen je gida/aiki= I am going home/to work

OTHER NEWS

This weekend I went to the amusement park in Abuja, called Wonderland. It is pretty cool, never seen anything like it in Africa. Rode a log ride, bumper cars, and the pirate ship. Unfortunately I did not take pictures. I did take pictures last week though when I went to a wedding. Here is a good picture of me in my traditional outfit: