...a case of the North Central Development Commision
By Hamza Yakubu
Nigeria is a country with so many histories. The history of Nigeria from about 1849 until it attained independence in 1960 is largely the story of the impact of the British on the people and cultures of the Niger-Benue area. The colonial authorities who came to these parts of West Africa in the years between 1862 and 1960 sought to define, protect, and realize their imperial interests.
The British were in the Niger-Benue area pursuing their interests, which were largely economic and strategic. Steps taken in these pursuits resulted in many unplanned for and by-products, one of which was the socio-political aggregation that is known today in international law as the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
As much as we hope for a better tomorrow, it's imperative that we know that hope is not strategy. If we must see a better tomorrow, we must be strategic in our dealings and find ways to connect back to histories. We can only plan for tomorrow properly if we connect back to yesterday and correlate it with today's realities. In critical thinking and societal growth, history plays a vital role. Connecting with history plays a vital role in building a better future. When we connect with histories, we understand our roots, connecting with history informs our decisions, and when we connect with history, we preserve collective memory and provide context in understanding the complexities and nuances of the past.
The news of the creation of the North Central Development Commission (NCDC) was resounding for me. As a development enthusiast, I was happy about the development, knowing that the creation of the Commission is crucial for the region's growth and development.
The NCDC will focus on addressing infrastructure deficits, fostering economic growth and regional integration, promoting agricultural advancement, working with security agencies to implement security measures and stability, prioritizing human capital development, providing youth empowerment, and aiding in resettlement and reconstruction of infrastructures damaged by conflicts.
However, the emerging news from the Commission at the moment is troubling and worrying to me. The news of the Commission's headquarters being situated in Lafia, Nasarawa State, makes me wonder what's the place of Kogi State in North Central and Nigeria at large, knowing that the journey of Nigeria began in Kogi State.
While other North Central states have their strengths, Kogi's strategic location, historical advantage, proximity to Abuja, security, economic potential, and lower cost of operations would have made it an ideal choice for the North Central Development Commission headquarters.
Kogi State has played a significant role in the country's history. The journey of Nigeria started in Kogi State, particularly in Lokoja. Lokoja was the first administrative capital of modern-day Nigeria, serving as the headquarters of the Royal Niger Company and later the British colonial administration in the early 1900s. Lord Frederick Lugard, who amalgamated the Northern and Southern Protectorates of Nigeria, had his residence in Lokoja. The name "Nigeria" was coined in Lokoja by Flora Shaw, a British journalist, while gazing out at the River Niger from Mount Patti.
Before colonization, the region now known as Kogi State was home to powerful and culturally rich kingdoms. These kingdoms had organized political structures and economies based on farming, ironworking, and trade. Lokoja was an important center for the slave trade during the 18th and 19th centuries. After the abolition of slavery, the town became a collection center for freed slaves, marked by the "Iron of Liberty" monument.
Given these historical facts and the abundance of natural and mineral resources, it's surprising that Lokoja wasn't chosen as the headquarters. The decision raises questions about the criteria used and whether the historical significance of Kogi State was given due consideration. As we move forward, it's essential to be strategic in our dealings and connect with our histories to plan for a better tomorrow.
I pray that as we proceed, Kogi State begins to take its rightful place in Nigeria. However, I know that we have to be strategic in our dealings to get to where we ought to be. Every person in the National Assembly representing one district or the other, or one federal constituency or the other, needs to wake up and act fast. Through the instrument of legislation, we can put so many things to bear, and we can make cases for our dear State when the need arises.
Let's connect with our histories to build a better future. Let's be strategic in our dealings to ensure that Kogi State takes its rightful place in Nigeria's development narrative. The North Central Development Commission has the potential to transform the region, and it's crucial that we get it right from the onset.
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