As part of the reformation of the Federal Republic of Nigeria to create meaningful states, Kogi State was formed by General Ibrahim Babangida on August 27, 1991. The state was established from parts of Kwara and Benue States.
The name “Kogi” originates from a Hausa word meaning “river.” The state capital is Lokoja. Kogi is also referred to as “The Confluence State” because it is where the Niger and Benue rivers meet.
Importantly, Kogi is the only state in Nigeria that shares boundaries with up to ten states.
Location
Kogi State is located in North-Central Nigeria, with coordinates 7°30′N 6°42′E. It shares borders with:
- Ekiti and Kwara – to the west
- FCT (Federal Capital Territory) – to the north
- Nasarawa – to the northeast
- Niger – to the northwest
- Edo and Ondo – to the southwest
- Anambra and Enugu – to the southeast
- Benue – to the east
Land Area
Kogi is the 13th largest state in Nigeria by land area, covering 29,833 square kilometers (11,519 sq mi). This represents 2.33% of Nigeria’s total land area.
<  Slogan: The Confluence State |
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| Date of Creation: | August 27 1991 |
| Location | North Central |
| Executive Governor: | Usman Ododo |
| Deputy Governor: | Salifu Joel |
| Population: | 3.3 million as at 2006 Census |
| Language: | Igala, Ebira, Yoruba & Others |
| LGA: | 21 |
| Postal Code | 260001 |
Language & Ethnic Groups
Kogi State is home to multiple ethnic groups, each with its own language and dialects. The major languages spoken include:
- Ebira, Igala, and a Yoruba dialect (Okun) – The main languages of the state
- Yoruba (spoken in Kogi West)
- Igbo (spoken in Ibaji and Igalamela-Odolu)
- Oko language (spoken in Kogi North-Central)
Other dialects in the state include Nupe, Kupa, Hausa, Basa Komu, Basa Nge, Kakanda, and Osayen.
List of local government areas in Kogi state:
| S/N | (LGA) |
| 1 | Adavi |
| 2 | Ajaokuta |
| 3 | Ankpa |
| 4 | Bassa |
| 5 | Dekina |
| 6 | Ibaji |
| 7 | Idah |
| 8 | Igalamela-Odolu |
| 9 | Ijumu |
| 10 | Kabba/Bunu |
| 11 | Kogi |
| 12 | Lokoja |
| 13 | Mopa-Muro |
| 14 | Ofu |
| 15 | Ogori/Magongo |
| 16 | Okehi |
| 17 | Okene |
| 18 | Olamaboro |
| 19 | Omala |
| 20 | Yagba East |
| 21 | Yagba West |
Religion
Kogi is a state with a mix of religions, including Christianity, Islam, and traditional beliefs. The majority of the population practices Islam, followed by Christianity, while a smaller percentage adheres to traditional worship.
Occupation
The economy of Kogi State is primarily sustained by agriculture, making it the major occupation of the people. Most residents, especially in rural areas, are farmers. The main crops grown include cassava, yam, maize, groundnut, melon, and rice. The state also produces cash crops such as cashew, coffee, cocoa, and palm oil, some of which are exported.
In modern times, many indigenes are self-employed (running businesses), work in government sectors, engage in crafts, and pursue other professions.
List of Former & Present Kogi State Governors
This is the complete list of governors of Kogi from its creation to the present day. The table includes the names, titles, and periods in office for both military and civilian governors.
| Name | Period in Office | Title |
| Danladi M. Zakari | Aug 1991 – Jan 1992 | Administrator |
| Abubakar Audu | Jan 1992 – Nov 1993 | Governor |
| Col. Paul Omeruo | Dec 1993 – Aug 1996 | Administrator |
| Col. Bzigu Afakirya | Aug 1996 – Aug 1998 | Administrator |
| Augustine Aniebo | Aug 1998 – May 1999 | Administrator |
| Abubakar Audu | May 1999 – May 2003 | Governor |
| Ibrahim Idris | May 2003 – Feb 2008 | Governor |
| Clarence Olafemi | Feb 2008 – Apr 2008 | Acting Governor |
| Ibrahim Idris | Apr 2008 – Jan 2012 | Governor |
| Idris Wada | Jan 2012 – Jan 2016 | Governor |
| Yahaya Bello | Jan 2016 – Jan 2024 | Governor |
| Usman Ododo | Jan 2024 – present governor | Governor |
Who was the first governor of Kogi State?
Danladi Mohammed Zakari was the pioneer governor of Kogi State after its creation. He served as a military administrator from 1991 to 1992, before handing over to a civilian government during Nigeria’s Third Republic.
As the first governor of Kogi, he inherited a state with no established government structure. He worked to set up administrative units at the grassroots level. Among his achievements during his tenure were the establishment of the Ministry of Justice and the Ministry of Works. He was also responsible for creating several key ministries, including:
- Ministry of Finance
- Ministry of Education
- Ministry of Health
- Ministry of Agriculture
Additionally, he helped establish some of Kogi State’s key agencies, such as the judiciary and the Local Government Commission. The history of Kogi State’s government system and development cannot be complete without acknowledging the contributions of the first governor, who laid the foundation.
Who is the current governor of Kogi State?
Usman Ododo is the current and 12th governor of Kogi State. A member of the All Progressives Congress (APC), he contested the 2023 gubernatorial election and emerged as the winner. He was sworn into office on January 27, 2024.
Born on January 7, 1982, Ahmed Ododo holds a Ph.D. from the University of Lagos. He also obtained a Bachelor’s degree in Accounting from Ahmadu Bello University, after initially studying at Federal Polytechnic Bida in Niger State.
Before becoming governor, Ododo served as the Auditor General for Local Governments under Governor Yahaya Bello’s administration. As a close political ally of Bello, he received the former governor’s endorsement, which played a crucial role in his election victory.
History of Kogi State
Kogi State was created in 1991 from parts of Benue, Niger, and Kwara States as part of a broader effort by General Ibrahim Babangida’s administration to restructure Nigeria’s state boundaries. This led to the emergence of a culturally diverse state, home to various ethnic groups that originated from these precursor states. The major ethnic groups in Kogi include the Igala, Ebira (Ibira) speakers, and the Kabba people. Additionally, the state has several dialectal groups, such as the Nupe, Idoma, and Yoruba, contributing to its rich linguistic and cultural identity.
The name “Kogi” is derived from a Hausa word meaning “river,” reflecting the state’s geographical positioning along major waterways. Historically, agriculture was the dominant occupation in Kogi, but in modern times, commerce and trade have gained significance alongside farming. Lokoja, the state capital, holds historical importance as it served as the administrative headquarters for the British colonial government in Nigeria during the pre-colonial era. This historical legacy makes Lokoja an important city in Nigeria’s past.
In terms of governance, after Kogi was established, Danladi Zakari became the first military governor. Following his tenure, Abubakar Audu became the first civilian governor in January 1992, marking a significant transition to democratic leadership.
Related Questions
How many local government areas are in Kogi State?
- There are 21 local government areas in Kogi State.
What is the population of Kogi State?
- The state’s population was approximately 3.3 million according to the 2006 census. By 2022, it had grown to an estimated 4.5 million.
Is Kogi a Yoruba state?
- Kogi is not officially classified as a Yoruba state, but there are Yoruba-speaking areas within the state.
What is Kogi State’s postal code?
- Kogi has a central postal code of 260001, which represents the state headquarters, as well as sub-divisions, LGAs, and district postal services.
What is the capital of Kogi?
- Since the creation of the state, the capital city has remained Lokoja. It serves as the headquarters and is home to the state government.
