By joshua LIPU CELEBRATES 53RD ANNIVERSARY, LAUNCHES TWO BOOKS ON LOKOJA HISTORY
By Abubakar Suleman
The Lokoja Indigenous Peoples Union (LIPU) on Saturday celebrated the 53rd anniversary of its founding with the grand launch of two books documenting the history and heritage of Lokoja.
The event, held at the Federal University Lokoja (FUL) Auditorium, Adankolo Campus, also featured the launch of the books authored by ESV Alhaji Aliu Lawal Jiya, the Mayaki of Lokoja and Chairman of LIPU, who retired as Permanent Secretary in the Kogi State Government.
The books are titled: “History of Lokoja Indigenous Peoples Union” and “Verses of Life and Hope & Journey Through Poetry”.
The occasion was chaired by Distinguished Senator Tunde Ogbeha, who was ably represented by Hon. D.Y. Bologi, while the Father of the Day was HRH Alhaji Ibrahim Gambo Kabir Maikarfi IV, the Maigari of Lokoja.
Delivering his welcome address, the author, ESV Jiya, thanked everyone who attended the historic occasion. The citation of the author was read by Prof. John O. Alabi, Head of Department, Business Administration, FUL.
Speaking on the books, ESV Aliu Lawal Jiya said the motivation for writing the books was borne out of his passion to preserve the identity, heritage and true story of Lokoja for present and future generations.
He said the first book, History of Lokoja Indigenous Peoples Union, chronicles the formation of LIPU in 1972, its struggles, achievements and its role in promoting unity, development and the cultural heritage of Lokoja people. He noted that it took years of research, consultations with elders and archival work to put the history together.
According to him, the second book, Verses of Life and Hope & Journey Through Poetry, is a collection of poems that reflect life experiences, moral lessons, hope and the journey of a man through public service and traditional institution.
ESV Jiya said the books were not for commercial gains but to serve as reference materials for students, researchers and lovers of history. He called on Lokoja indigenes, especially the youth, to take interest in documenting their history and embracing the union.
“Lokoja has a rich history that must not be allowed to go into extinction. If we don’t tell our own story, others will tell it for us wrongly,” Jiya said.
The programme was enlivened with Lokoja cultural display.
The review of Book One was done by Mr. A.D. Ali of the Department of History and International Studies, FUL, while the review of Book Two was done by Prof. Abubakar Alabi, Head of Department, Biochemistry, FUL.
The two books were thereafter unveiled, launched and presented, with donations from dignitaries.
In his presentation, Dr. Aminu Isa gave a detailed history of ancient Lokoja to date, stating that Lokoja is an indigenous town with owners, contrary to insinuations that it is a no-man’s land.
In his remarks, Senator Tunde Ogbeha commended the author for compiling the history of Lokoja in a book, describing it as highly commendable. He said the revival of LIPU is a welcome development and urged Lokoja people to speak in one voice.
Among the dignitaries present at the colourful event were the Acting Coordinating Director, Finance and Accounts, NASENI, Alhaji Ibrahim Baba Dauda; Engr. Mohammed Sagir, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Works; Alhaji Suleiman Baba-Ango, Chairman, Lokoja Forum of Patriots and other Mai-Angwas in Lokoja.
Vote of thanks was given by the Secretary of LIPU, Alhaji Abubakar Babamaji Danlami.