Marking centenary without Lokoja!

The life of any nation to attain such longevity called for celebration by any government and its people.The committee set up to organize the centenary celebration acquitted itself well. But it failed to bring in some areas that played significant roles in the amalgamation of this country.A case of in point is Lokoja, which was […]

The life of any nation to attain such longevity called for celebration by any government and its people.
The committee set up to organize the centenary celebration acquitted itself well. But it failed to bring in some areas that played significant roles in the amalgamation of this country.
A case of in point is Lokoja, which was neglected by the centenary anniversary committee in ensuring the town played a greater role in the celebration.
The people of Lokoja were not aware of any centenary celebration taking place. What we saw was just the beautification of some historical monument by the Kogi State government.
The state-owned radio station played some jingles to remind the populace. But how many people listen to the radio station these days to have firsthand information of what is happing?
Lokoja town, being Nigeria first capital, where Lord Frederick Lugard settled and administered the country, it’s the same Lokoja that is the confluence of rivers and Niger and Benue, that gave birth to the idea of unification of this country.
Lokoja played a greater role of witnessing the lowering of Royal Niger Company and the hoisting of Union Jack. All these made imperative for Lokoja town to have hosted the grand finale of the centenary celebration. The committee also failed to give the town a special mention or recommend honour for any individual from the town by President Goodluck Jonathan during the final event.
The coming of the many foreign heads of state and governments, as well as dignitaries to Lokoja town for final centenary celebration would have afforded them the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to learn firsthand the important role Lokoja town played in the unification of this country.
Also building the centenary city at Abuja is a misplace priority, because Abuja has seen enough in infrastructure; it should have been in Lokoja.
We hope the government would ensure Lokoja play greater role when marking the 200 years of Nigeria.

Bala Nayashi, Yashi Area, Lokoja<[email protected]>;