POEM
FLOWING LEGENDS: RIVERS NIGER AND BENUE
In Lokoja, where rivers intertwine,
Niger and Benue, a divine design,
Their confluence forms a sight so grand,
A masterpiece etched by nature's hand.
Two mighty rivers, each with their own might,
Flowing together, a harmonious sight, Nigeria a name coined from Niger-Area, meeting the spot
Niger, roaring with its deep, vast force,
Benue, cascading, a majestic course.
From the top of Mount Patti, one can see,
The breathtaking meeting of rivers so free,
Their waters blend, a seamless embrace,
A dance of currents, a delicate chase.
Niger, from the west, a power unmatched,
Carving valleys, as its waves are dispatched,
Benue, from the east, a lifeline it feeds,
Fertile lands flourished, fulfilling their needs.
Lokoja, the witness of this symphony,
Stands proud as nature weaves her tapestry,
The confluence, a symbol of unity's might,
Where differences merge, embracing the light.
The rivers, in their union, tell a tale,
Of strength and resilience, that will prevail,
Through centuries old, their waters have flowed,
A testament to nature's wisdom bestowed.
The confluence, a sanctuary for life,
Where flora and fauna, in harmony, thrive,
Birds take flight, painting skies with grace,
Fish swim freely, in this sacred space.
Oh, Niger and Benue, rivers so grand,
Your beauty in Lokoja, none can withstand,
Mount Patti's peak, an awe-inspiring view,
Where nature's enchantment comes into view.
So, marvel at this scene, let your heart be stirred,
The confluence's magic, to be forever heard,
In Lokoja, the meeting of two rivers is profound,
A testament to nature's wonders, so renowned.
Niger and Benue, a divine design,
Their confluence forms a sight so grand,
A masterpiece etched by nature's hand.
Two mighty rivers, each with their own might,
Flowing together, a harmonious sight, Nigeria a name coined from Niger-Area, meeting the spot
Niger, roaring with its deep, vast force,
Benue, cascading, a majestic course.
From the top of Mount Patti, one can see,
The breathtaking meeting of rivers so free,
Their waters blend, a seamless embrace,
A dance of currents, a delicate chase.
Niger, from the west, a power unmatched,
Carving valleys, as its waves are dispatched,
Benue, from the east, a lifeline it feeds,
Fertile lands flourished, fulfilling their needs.
Lokoja, the witness of this symphony,
Stands proud as nature weaves her tapestry,
The confluence, a symbol of unity's might,
Where differences merge, embracing the light.
The rivers, in their union, tell a tale,
Of strength and resilience, that will prevail,
Through centuries old, their waters have flowed,
A testament to nature's wisdom bestowed.
The confluence, a sanctuary for life,
Where flora and fauna, in harmony, thrive,
Birds take flight, painting skies with grace,
Fish swim freely, in this sacred space.
Oh, Niger and Benue, rivers so grand,
Your beauty in Lokoja, none can withstand,
Mount Patti's peak, an awe-inspiring view,
Where nature's enchantment comes into view.
So, marvel at this scene, let your heart be stirred,
The confluence's magic, to be forever heard,
In Lokoja, the meeting of two rivers is profound,
A testament to nature's wonders, so renowned.
HIGHLIGHTS OF THE POEM: FLOWING LEGENDS: RIVERS NIGER AND BENUE
The poem "Flowing Legends: Rivers Niger and Benue" is a vivid celebration of one of Nigeria's most awe-inspiring natural wonders, the confluence of the mighty Rivers Niger and Benue, located in Lokoja, the capital of Kogi State. With elegant verses and rich imagery, the poem captures the grandeur, symbolism, and spiritual beauty of this iconic meeting point of two great rivers.
At the heart of the poem lies the symbolism of unity and harmony. The confluence represents more than just a geographical merger; it is a metaphor for peace and oneness among the diverse people of Nigeria. As the two rivers flow from different directions, Niger from the west and Benue from the east, they meet gracefully at Lokoja, blending their waters in a powerful and peaceful embrace. This dance of rivers reflects the aspiration of national unity, where differences dissolve into a shared purpose.
The poem highlights the origin of the name "Nigeria," derived from "Niger-Area," coined by Flora Shaw (later Lady Flora Lugard), who was the first European to recognize and document the grandeur of the confluence. This gives the rivers not only natural but historical and national significance, embedding Lokoja and its waterways into the foundation of Nigeria’s identity.
Kogi State emerges in the poem as more than a location, it is painted as a land of natural majesty, hospitality, and tourism. The reference to Mount Patti, from where the confluence can be seen in full splendor, positions Kogi as a destination for travelers and lovers of nature. The breathtaking view from Mount Patti offers a panoramic story of history, nature, and divine artistry. The poem encourages readers and tourists to visit Lokoja, to witness firsthand the serenity and grandeur of the confluence, and to experience the warmth and hospitality of its people.
Moreover, the poem elevates the rivers as nurturers of life, feeding the land, supporting agriculture, and sustaining biodiversity. The confluence is described as a sanctuary, where flora and fauna live in harmony. This underscores Kogi State’s ecological richness and potential for eco-tourism, fishing, birdwatching, and nature conservation.
In essence, Flowing Legends is not just a poetic tribute, but a call to recognize and celebrate Kogi State as the heart of Nigerian geography and tourism. The poem invites the world to marvel at the flowing legends, the Rivers Niger and Benue, not only as rivers of water, but as rivers of peace, heritage, strength, and unity.
HIGHLIGHTS OF THE POEM: FLOWING LEGENDS: RIVERS NIGER AND BENUE
The poem "Flowing Legends: Rivers Niger and Benue" is a vivid celebration of one of Nigeria's most awe-inspiring natural wonders, the confluence of the mighty Rivers Niger and Benue, located in Lokoja, the capital of Kogi State. With elegant verses and rich imagery, the poem captures the grandeur, symbolism, and spiritual beauty of this iconic meeting point of two great rivers.
At the heart of the poem lies the symbolism of unity and harmony. The confluence represents more than just a geographical merger; it is a metaphor for peace and oneness among the diverse people of Nigeria. As the two rivers flow from different directions, Niger from the west and Benue from the east, they meet gracefully at Lokoja, blending their waters in a powerful and peaceful embrace. This dance of rivers reflects the aspiration of national unity, where differences dissolve into a shared purpose.
The poem highlights the origin of the name "Nigeria," derived from "Niger-Area," coined by Flora Shaw (later Lady Flora Lugard), who was the first European to recognize and document the grandeur of the confluence. This gives the rivers not only natural but historical and national significance, embedding Lokoja and its waterways into the foundation of Nigeria’s identity.
Kogi State emerges in the poem as more than a location, it is painted as a land of natural majesty, hospitality, and tourism. The reference to Mount Patti, from where the confluence can be seen in full splendor, positions Kogi as a destination for travelers and lovers of nature. The breathtaking view from Mount Patti offers a panoramic story of history, nature, and divine artistry. The poem encourages readers and tourists to visit Lokoja, to witness firsthand the serenity and grandeur of the confluence, and to experience the warmth and hospitality of its people.
Moreover, the poem elevates the rivers as nurturers of life, feeding the land, supporting agriculture, and sustaining biodiversity. The confluence is described as a sanctuary, where flora and fauna live in harmony. This underscores Kogi State’s ecological richness and potential for eco-tourism, fishing, birdwatching, and nature conservation.
In essence, Flowing Legends is not just a poetic tribute, but a call to recognize and celebrate Kogi State as the heart of Nigerian geography and tourism. The poem invites the world to marvel at the flowing legends, the Rivers Niger and Benue, not only as rivers of water, but as rivers of peace, heritage, strength, and unity.
EXTRACTED FROM KOGI PANORAMA: UNAVAILING THE STATE'S DIVERSE TREASURE
WRITTEN BY JOY AGAMAH
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