By joshua THE THRONE OF THE CONFLUENCE MAIKARFI IV: THE MAIGARI OF LOKOJA – WHEN NUJ CROWNED GLOBAL ROYALTY PERSONIFIED
By; Amb. Abdulsalam Bawa DANGANA,
Lokoja, Kogi State
Your Royal Highness,
HRH Alh. Dr. Ibrahim Gambo Kabir Maikarfi IV, The Maigari of Lokoja, and Chairman, Lokoja Local Government Traditional Council,
The drums of Lokoja did not just beat yesterday – they spoke. When the Nigeria Union of Journalists, Kogi State Council, at its 2026 Press Week with the theme: “Professional and Ethical Standards in Election Reporting: The Journalist as Guardian of Democracy”, chose to honour you with the AWARD OF LEADERSHIP EXCELLENCE, it was not a mere award ceremony. It was history validating royalty. It was the pen saluting the throne.
*You are not just a King in Lokoja. You are Lokoja in a King.* For in you, the Confluence finds its true meaning.
You sit on a throne that is older than Nigeria itself – a throne that watched Lugard, that hosted the first administrative capital in 1900, that saw the Union Jack lowered and the Green-White-Green raised. But you have made that ancient throne modern, relevant and global.
The NUJ said it clearly, and we all know it to be true:
You were honoured because *you raised the status and respect of the traditional stool* through improved interactions with traditional rulers across Nigeria and Overseas.
You were honoured because *you sustained the long tradition of peaceful co-existence between Christians and Muslims* bequeathed by your noble ancestors – in a city the NUJ rightly called *Mini-Nigeria*.
In a Nigeria where many thrones are loud but empty, your throne is quiet but powerful.
In a time when leadership is measured by noise, yours is measured by *peace, bridge-building, and selfless service.*
We remember: While others celebrate anniversaries with fanfare, you celebrated your first anniversary by *visiting Hospitals and giving generously to the less privileged.* That is not royalty performing – that is Royalty Personified.
From the climate policy table where Kogi State Government seeks your wisdom, to the NASENI empowerment stage where you advocate for technical education to save our youths from unemployment, to the burial grounds of fellow monarchs where you lead with dignity – you have shown that World-Class Royalty means Local Impact.
*Maikarfi IV!*
The Lion of the Confluence!
The Custodian of Peace where Niger and Benue Rivers embrace!
The Father whose mother is Igala from Idah, whose heart is Lokoja, whose reign is for all Nigerians!
The NUJ award is not just an award. It is a confirmation:
That Lokoja is indeed Mini-Nigeria, and you are its Chief Custodian.
That true leadership needs no political party – it needs character.
That global royalty does not need a passport – it needs presence, wisdom, and compassion.
May your reign be long.
May the Confluence never run dry under your watch.
May the peace you preach continue to be the peace Lokoja enjoys.
On behalf of all lovers of peace, progress, and purposeful traditional leadership, we say Congratulations, Your Royal Highness!
The Throne is Honoured, Because the King is Honourable.
Long Live Maikarfi IV!
Long Live Maigari of Lokoja!
Long Live Lokoja, Mini-Nigeria!
Long Live Kogi State!
Long Live the Federal Republic of Nigeria!
Amb. Abdulsalam Bawa DANGANA, writes from Lokoja, Kogi State.
Community Leader | Peace Ambassador | Gender Advocate | Public Affairs Analyst | Founder and Publisher of The Confluence Chronicles | Technical Adviser to CJTF, Kogi State Command.
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© 28/10/2026