By Dada Ahmed.
When Alhaji Adamu Mamnan Kontagora, the President of the ABU Alumni Association Worldwide, set foot in Lokoja, Kogi State, on February 26, 2025, it was initially for an academic purpose. The occasion? The much-anticipated 24th Inaugural Lecture at the Federal University, Lokoja. Delivered by Professor Musa Adeku Ibrahim, a professor of mathematics,and a proud alumnus of the association, the lecture served as an intellectual highlight of his visit. However, what followed was an unexpected yet deeply enriching experience, filled with a sense of awe, wonder, and discovery..
Though the lecture was certainly important, it was only the beginning of a captivating journey that would leave an indelible mark on Alhaji Kotangora’s memory. What began as a routine trip quickly turned into an unforgettable exploration of Lokoja’s hidden historical gems..
The excitement that followed the inaugural lecture spilled over into the second day of Alhaji Kotangora’s visit. This day was earmarked for a fascinating and immersive tour of Lokoja’s historic landmarks—an experience that would take the ABU Alumni Association President and his entourage deep into the heart of Nigeria’s rich history. Guided by the knowledgeable Mr. Yinka Adeoye from the Kogi State Tourism Board, the group embarked on a one-hour journey to explore some of the most iconic and historically significant sites in Lokoja.
First stop: the legendary Mount Patti, a place that holds great historical and cultural significance. Standing proudly at an impressive height of 1,500 meters above sea level, Mount Patti offers a commanding view of Lokoja’s sprawling landscape below. As the group ascended the winding path leading to the mountaintop, the sheer beauty of the surrounding hills and valleys left them in awe. The air was crisp, and the panoramic vistas of the town’s ancient streets were breathtaking.
At the summit, Alhaji Kotangora saw and explored the historic rest house once used by Lord Lugard, the Governor-General of Nigeria. This simple yet elegant structure, perched at such a vantage point with the statue of Lord Lugard and his wife, Flora Shaw,has built on January 1,1900 which according to the tour guard, witnessed many Nigerian historical moments.
Alhaji Kotangora could almost feel the presence of the colonial past that shaped the nation’s history.
From there, the group proceeded to visit the first communication house in Northern Nigeria. The building, which once served as a critical communication link between Lokoja and the rest of the country, now stands as a monument to the early days of Nigeria’s modernization. As Alhaji Kotangora stood before this relic of the past, he couldn’t help but marvel at the ingenuity and foresight of those who built it. It was a reminder of how far the country had come and a glimpse of the pivotal moments that paved the way for modern communication in Nigeria.
The journey was far from over. As the team continued their tour, they arrived at the European Cemetery, another landmark with deep historical resonance. The cemetery, which houses the graves of some of the earliest European settlers and some historical Africans in Lokoja, serves as a poignant reminder of the town’s colonial past. Each grave told a silent story of adventure, hardship, and the challenges faced by early settlers in a foreign land.
Alhaji Kotangora took a moment to reflect on the sacrifices made by those who had come before, and the enduring legacy they left behind.
As the day drew to a close, the return journey down the mountain offered another layer of adventure. The winding roads, sometimes narrow and steep, seemed to echo the spirit of the journey they had just undertaken. Alhaji Kotangora shared his thoughts with his entourage, reflecting on the incredible depth of history and culture they had just experienced.
In an exclusive interview with our correspondent, Alhaji Kotangora couldn’t contain his enthusiasm. “What we’ve experienced today is absolutely remarkable. “I’m truly delighted by the tour. The historical sites we visited today were filled with relics we’ve only ever seen in textbooks and newspapers, but now we’re standing right in front of them. This is a visit I’ll never forget, and I would love to see it happen again,”he said.
For Alhaji Kotangora, the experience was more than just a sightseeing trip; it was a journey that connected him to the past in a way he never expected. The relics, monuments, and stories of Lokoja seemed to come alive, offering a rare glimpse into the foundations of Nigeria’s history. But beyond the historical significance, the President was also struck by the natural beauty that surrounded the town.
Recognizing the potential of Lokoja as a tourist destination, Alhaji Kotangora made a heartfelt plea to the Kogi State government. “I urge the state government to take more proactive steps in preserving these historical treasures.
Tourism enthusiasts also believe that Lokoja has so much to offer, not just to locals but to tourists from all over the world.
They advise that by protecting and showcasing these relics, the state can unlock a wealth of opportunities to boost its economy and grow its tourism industry.
The President of the association emphasized the importance of preserving such landmarks, not just for tourism, but as a way to educate future generations about the rich history of the region.He called on the state government to double effort in this regard.
In addition to his call for preservation, Alhaji Kotangora was quick to commend the leadership of the Lokoja branch of the ABU Alumni Association for organizing the tour. “The leadership of the branch association has done an excellent job in bringing us here today. This experience will stay with me for many years , and I am grateful for their hard work in making this tour a reality.”
As the tour came to a close, Alhaji Kotangora took a moment to reflect on the journey. “This is the kind of experience that stays with you forever,” he said.
As the President of the association departs Lokoja for Abuja, en route to Port Harcourt, many members of the branch are reflecting on the impact of his visit. The beauty of Lokoja’s landscape, the depth of its history, and the warmth of its people all embody the essence of unity and create something truly special.
It is believed that Alhaji Kotangora must have left Lokoja with memories that will last a lifetime, carrying with him the unforgettable experiences of his time in the city.
Ahmed is the Publicity Secretary,ABU Alumni Association, Kogi State Branch.
