Kogi State

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For the Amerindian tribe see Koguis.

Location
Kogi State State nickname: The Confluence State

Statistics
Governor (List)	Ibrahim Idris (PDP)
Date Created	27 August 1991
Capital	Lokoja
Area	29,833 km² Ranked 13th
Population 1991 Census 2005 estimate	Ranked 24th 2,099,046 3,595,789
ISO 3166-2	NG-KO

Kogi is a state in the north-central zone of Nigeria. It is popularly called the confluence state due to the fact that 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.

1 History, People and Resources
2 Local Governments
3 Tourism
4 Transport and Communications
5 Agriculture
6 Education
7 Sports
8 External Links

[edit] History, People and Resources

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 (the dominant tribe), Okun (a Yoruba tribe), Ebira and Bassa. There are many Mineral resources in Kogi, including 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.

[edit] Local Governments

The 21 Local Government Areas of Kogi State are:

  1. Adavi
  2. Ajaokuta
  3. Anpka
  4. Bassa
  5. Dekina
  6. Ibaji
  7. Idah
  8. Igalamela-Odolu
  9. Ijumu
 10. Kabba/Bunu
 11. Kogi
 12. Lokoja
 13. Mopa-Muro
 14. Ofu
 15. Ogori/Magongo
 16. Okehi
 17. Okene
 18. Olamaboro
 19. Omala
 20. Yagba-East
 21. Yagba-West

[edit] 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).

[edit] Transport and Communications

Kogi State connects the Federal Capital Territory with 22 Southern States. Being in close proximity to the federal capital territory, Abuja International Airport serves as the national and international gateway for air travellers from and to the state. Good telecommunications services is available in the state.

[edit] Agriculture

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, Cashew, Peanuts, Maize,Cassava, Yam, Rice and Melon.

[edit] Education

Education is a major focus by indigenes of Kogi State. The Yoruba and Ebira people of the state are amongst the most educated people in Nigeria. Generally the state has produced high caliber professionals who are actively engaged in all spheres of human endeavor in Nigeria and worldwide. The state has a university and other institutions of higher learning.

[edit] Sports

Kogi State has produced sprinters such as Sunday Bada and other sportsmen, who have contributed to the growth of sports worldwide. Kogi United [1] is a Football team based in the states. Other sports, such as, swimming, handball, table tennis are actively promoted in the State.

[edit] External Links

Official state government website[2]

States of Nigeria
Abia \| Abuja Federal Capital Territory \| Adamawa \| Akwa Ibom \| Anambra \| Bauchi \| Bayelsa \| Benue \| Borno \| Cross River \| Delta \| Ebonyi \| Edo \| Ekiti \| Enugu \| Gombe \| Imo \| Jigawa \| Kaduna \| Kano \| Katsina \| Kebbi \| Kogi \| Kwara \| Lagos \| Nassarawa \| Niger \| Ogun \| Ondo \| Osun \| Oyo \| Plateau \| Rivers \| Sokoto \| Taraba \| Yobe \| Zamfara