By Dada Ahmed, Lokoja.
Over 100 Students of the Department of Linguistics and African Languages, Federal University, Lokoja, Kogi state,have embarked on a three-day academic field trip to Magongo, Ogori/Magongo Local Government Area of Kogi State.
The National President of Magongo Development Association, MDA, Prince Jordan Alaba Akpata, disclosed this in a statement he signed and copied The Reporters in Lokoja on Thursday.
According to him, the exercise, which will begin on Friday, August 28, 2025, is aimed at conducting research on the Osayen language and documenting the cultural profile of the host community.
He said, “Over 100 students, led by Dr. Mayowa arrived in Magongo at about 1:30 p.m. They were warmly received at the Lumen Christi Academy by the National Executive Council of the Magongo Development Association (MDA), represented by its National Vice President, Mr. James Boyi, on behalf of the National President, Prince Jordan Akpata.
“Welcoming the students, the Proprietor of Lumen Christi Academy, Rev. Fr. Michael Leo, expressed his delight in hosting the team.
“He offered the school’s hostel for their accommodation and wished them a fruitful and impactful stay in the community.
Also present was Mr.Emmanuel Ikpelemoh, a senior lecturer at the university and an illustrious son of Magongo who described the visit as a homecoming and urged the students to uphold discipline and decorum throughout their stay.”
According to the organizers, the field trip is expected to culminate in the development of a written orthography of the Osayen language, which will serve as a major academic resource for both the community and researchers.
The students are scheduled to complete their assignment and return to Lokoja on Sunday, August 31, 2025 according to Prince.
