By Carved out of Kwara and Benue States in 1991, Kogi is not only one of the most important states in the Middle Belt but also in Nigeria. The reason for this is not farfetched because of the key role it played during the colonial era as well as being the confluence state where River Niger and River Benue merges. This automatically puts the state at a vantage position to attract tourists and visitors from within and outside Nigeria. This is the case as there is so much to explore in Kogi. Of course, you will be overwhelmed by the people’s hospitality, gourmet, culture and rich history.
The state is agrarian with twenty-one (21) Local Government Areas. The main ethnic groups in the state include Igala, Ebira and Okun with a population of 3.3 million inhabitants. The capital city of Kogi is Lokoja and it is a perfect vacation spot for anyone who relish history and tourism. Jumia Travel, Africa’s No 1 hotel booking portal unveils the confluence.
Top Three Sites
World War Cenotaph
The cenotaph was constructed in memory of soldiers who died during the Second World War. It is a massive concrete block on top of which is mounted an old artillery. Beside it are light cannons and machine guns mounted on small pavements and the names of soldiers who distinguished themselves during the wars were written on tables mounted on the side of the cenotaph.
Osome Waterfall
The Osome Fall is located in Ukpogo, Osome. It is a waterfall that snakes its way through the vast rock formations of different heights and cascades about 50 metres below. The site is very attractive and every weekend fun seekers and visitors go there to pass time and have fun.
Mount Patti
This is a massive hill towering over Lokoja. The mountain is about 411 metres above sea level. Climbing the mountain is not for the feeble minded because the road leading to the top is zigzag. At the top of the mountain is the Offices of the Nigerian Television Authority (NTA) and The Confluence Cable Network (TV and Radio) which is a sight to behold for tourists who manage to get to the spot.
Eating
As a state that attracts tourists from far and wide, there are an uncounted number of places to satisfy your hunger pangs. Some of these places to eat include Experience Kitchen, Chop More Eateries, Nne Barbecued Fish, Glorious Restaurant and Nikki’s Place Restaurant and Bar.
Sleeping
You can get budget hotels as well as the expensive ones depending on the depth of your pocket. Some of the pleasant hotels in Kogi are Reverton Hotels ltd, Leader’s Lodge, Saatof Hotel and Suite, Khatnas Guest House, Alama Hotel Multipurpose Lodge, Otal Hotel and Rock Garden Hotel and Resort. You can check out Jumia Travel for prices and book any hotel of your choice.
Shopping
Purple Season Shopping Mall, Upward Supermarket, More Grace Supermarket, Yebo Supermarket, Legacy Bookshop and Kogi International are among the places you can shop in the confluence state.
Fun facts
The name Nigeria was coined in Lokoja, the capital of Kogi state by Flora Shaw, the wife of the former British colonial administrator, Sir Lord Frederick Lugard.
