Kogi State is one of the 36 states of the Federal Republic of Nigeria with Lokoja as the capital. Objective of the Study: To quantify the tourism potentials (abiotic and biotic) of some tourism sites in Lokoja, because information is needed for tourism development, marketing and promotion. Instruments Used: Surveying tape, Global Positioning system (GPS), Prismatic compass clinometers, appropriate books for vegetation identification, writing materials for noting field observations and a digital camera. Data collection involved stock assessment, direct measurements (quantitative) of the tourism resources on sites including their qualitative assessment. Results obtained are GPS readings of Latitudes and Longitudes in degrees and minutes, Elevations in metres, Bearing in degrees, Length and Breadth, Height of buildings and wall thickness in metres and vegetation identification. Tourism resources at the sites were also recorded. These tourists’ attractions (heritage, relics) are unique and are not available anywhere else in the world.

Keywords: Kogi State, Lokoja, Lord Lugard, Tourism Resources

1. Introduction

The needs of tourists are different thus, serving tourists is dynamic. Few people understand tourism and what is required to develop successful tourism products. A community’s resources are its culture; traditions, shops, leisure facilities, etc. They represent the core resource base for tourism. Tourism use of tourist resources, both natural and cultural, should be non-consumptive, so that they are always available [1] .

Tourism represents one of the few economic opportunities available to remote communities. It provides real opportunities to reduce unemployment and create employment for disadvantaged people and stimulate development. Tourism has proven to revitalize cultures and traditions. Tourism can provide an economic incentive to conserve natural and cultural assets. Tourism has been shown to foster greater understanding between peoples and a greater global consciousness [2] . Kogi State is one of the 36 states of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. It is reputed as the museum of Nigerian colonial history, as enumerated thus. NATURAL LAND FEATURES: RIVERS: Among the rivers in Kogi State are the largest rivers in West Africa, rivers Benue and Niger [3] .

River Benue with its source from one of the Cameroon Mountains and river Niger, one of the longest rivers in the world, with its source at Futa Djallon plateau on the borders of Sierra Leone and the Gulf of Guinea converge in Lokoja, forming a Y-shaped confluence called Niger/Benue confluence. The confluence flows southwards into the Sea. This confluence was discovered by the Lander brothers in 1830. At the peak of the dry season, the Confluence Island can accommodate over 10,000 holidaymakers. It is a beautiful attraction for carnivals, picnics, wedding receptions, crusades etc. [3] . Flora Shaw was said to have coined the name ‘Nigeria’ (Niger-area) from the top of this mount while viewing river Niger, when she was working as a foreign journalist during the colonial era. She later got married to Lord Lugard [3]

. MOUNTAINS: Mount Patti. Patti is a Nupe word for hill. It has a height of about 458.3 m above sea level and about 33 m above the level of the Niger valley. It is about 15 km²square at the top. From here it is possible to view the scenic plain surrounding Lokoja and the silent grandeur and beautiful nature of the confluence. On this mountain are located: Lord Lugard’s rest house, Nigeria Telecommunication (NITEL), Nigeria Television Authority (NTA), and Grace FM station. Ajaokuta steel company can be viewed from the top of this mountain. It has a terrific driveway to the top [3] .

Caves: The Usikokoko cave in Konto-Karfe was a security abode for thousands of people in the Igu Kingdom during intertribal wars of those days. The cave which has three openings can be viewed easily on Lokoja-Abuja high way. The rock bridge at Egane in Igala land is a massive piece of naturally occurring rock under which flows the Maboro River. The rock serves as a natural bridge over the river for the transportation of vehicular and human traffic.

PLATEAUX: Agbaja plateau: About 14 km from Lokoja is a town situated on top of a plateau. It is about 355.8 m above sea level. It has shrub/grassland vegetation with a climate comparable to that experienced on Jos plateau. Ogidi: is a town with formations of Igneous Rock Mountains and a traditional art and craft industry [3] .

HISTORICAL MONUMENTS: The Inikpi statue (Plate 1) is located at Ega in the heart of Idah market in Idah Local Government Area of the State. Heroine Inikpi was a beloved daughter of Attah Igala (Ayegba, the 4^th). She willingly gave herself up to be buried alive in order to save the Igala Kingdom from enemy forces during inter-tribal war with the Jukuns. The Iron of liberty (Plate 2): Lokoja was a prominent root in the then colonial British Empire, due to its location near the bank of river Niger in the 18^th and 19^th centuries.

It also became a collection centre for slaves seized from slave merchants. From here, they were subsequently set free. The freedom spor was marked with an iron pole tagged the “Iron of liberty”. Bishop Samuel Ajayi Crowther spearheaded that anti-slavery crusade. The iron of liberty is presently within the compound of Crowther Holy Trinity School. CENOTAPH: Is a monument built in memory of the dead but not containing the remains of the dead [4] The World War Cenotaph (Plates 3-5) in Lokoja was erected in remembrance of the fallen heroes of the Nigerian, British officers and other ranks who fought in the first and second world wars of 1914, 1918 and 1939-1945.

It is located along Muritala Mohammed way Lokoja. A copy of the Cannon used by the British forces in both East Africa and Cameroon against the German forces in defence of their occupied territories, during the “scramble for Africa”, is seen mounted on the Cenotaph. Government functionaries and Nigerian soldiers in Kogi State mark the yearly army remembrance day in this place.

On the concrete block, names of the soldiers who fought in the two world wars are seen written on a plaque. Concrete pillar (Plate 6). After the Government closed its consulate in Lokoja in 1866, the Royal Niger Company was formed in 1882 to administer Lokoja. This was revoked on the 31^st of December 1899.

On the 1^st of January 1900, the British Government assumed direct control and the protectorate of Northern Nigeria was declared over Northern Nigeria, with Lord Fredrick Lugard as the High Commissioner [5] .