Things to do if you’re in Lokoja this weekend

Lokoja, the Kogi State capital no doubt prides itself as the confluence town because of the convergence of rivers Niger and Benue, the two major rivers in Nigeria. Much of Nigeria’s colonial history is woven around Lokoja  an ancient town blessed with fascinating historical sites, tourist attractions, artefacts, landmark monuments, entertainment and relaxation spots that […]

Lokoja, the Kogi State capital no doubt prides itself as the confluence town because of the convergence of rivers Niger and Benue, the two major rivers in Nigeria.
Much of Nigeria’s colonial history is woven around Lokoja  an ancient town blessed with fascinating historical sites, tourist attractions, artefacts, landmark monuments, entertainment and relaxation spots that will thrill any guest who might want to spend time in the town.

National Museum of Colonial History
Located adjacent to the Nigeria Union of Journalists, Press Centre, around Jakis area of Lokoja, the museum should be the initial point of call for a first timer that would want to have a feel of Nigeria’s rich history especially as it concerns colonial rule.
The museum houses statues of Lord Frederick Luggard, the first Governor-General of Nigeria. Curator of the National Museum, Mr Solomon Ibejigba said there are photos and artefact galleries showcasing landmark historical sites and monuments about Nigeria which visitors and their families would find interesting. The galleries, according to him, are divided into pre-colonial, colonial and towards independent, First Republic and military regime as well as Lokoja.

Mount Patti
Mount Patti is an interesting tourists’ site. An adventurous climb to the top of Mount Patti which is about 458.3 metres above sea level would be a worthwhile experience for a visitor to Lokoja.  ‘Patti,’ is a Nupe word which means hill.
Sitting gracefully on top of Mount Patti is the ‘Lord Luggard Rest House.’ Also on top of Mount Patti are statues of Lord Luggard and his wife, Flora Shaw.
Interestingly, Mount Patti also once served as a place of refuge for its earliest inhabitants whom the colonial administrators forced down to the Niger valley.
The hill gives a visitor a vantage position to view the scenic plain surroundings of Lokoja and its environs as well as the grandeur of the merger between rivers Niger and Benue.

Holy Trinity School
Other historical sites in Lokoja you would also like to visit include the Holy Trinity School, which happens to be the first primary school in northern Nigeria. It was established in 1865 by Bishop Samuel Ajayi Crowther.

Iron of Liberty, World War cenotaph 
The Iron of Liberty which is the point where slave trade was abolished. There is the World War Cenotaph where the fallen soldiers that took part in the First and Second World Wars where buried. It is nostalgic place to visit the gallant soldiers.

Lugard Beach
Situated opposite the 500 housing unit along Ganaja Road, Lokoja, Lugard Beach is a cool and serene spot where visitors can have fun and savor the cool breeze that pervades the environment due to its proximity to the River.

Eating out
There are many restaurants and eateries in Lokoja town but Misi ‘T’ Restaurant which is located along Aliyu Attah Road adjacent to the NTA roundabout is a nice place to have a meal. The restaurant, established in September 2005, has over the years carved a niche for itself in the state and offers varieties of meals.
Reverton Hotels’ restaurant would no doubt be a worthwhile place for a sumptuous and mouth-watering meal. The hotel is located within the GRA, adjacent to Kogi Hotels and a few metres away from the NTA Lokoja roundabout. The restaurant offers a variety of meal including African and intercontinental cuisines prepared by seasoned chefs.

Treasures
A visit to Treasures which is situated opposite the Kogi State Specialist Hospital, a few metres away from the popular Ganaja junction, would be a worthwhile decision for a visitor who enjoys good meals. They have a lot of varieties on their menu just as there are amusement spots for kids. There is no dull moment here.