Lokoja is a city in Nigeria. It lies at the confluence of the Niger and Benue rivers and is the capital city of Kogi State. While the Yoruba (Oworo), Bassa Nge and Nupe are indigenous to the area, other ethnic groups of Nigeria, including the Kupa-Nupe, Hausa, Ebira, Igala, Igbo, Bini/Edo, and Tiv have recently established themselves. Projected to be the third fastest growing African continent city between 2020 and 2025, with a 5.93% growth. It was listed a second class township by the 1917 township ordinance of the colonial administration. This shows that Lokoja is an old city. Etymology Different ethnic groups lay claim to having named the city. The Yoruba ( Oworo ) people believe the name comes from Ilu Oke Oja ("The settlement located on the hill did not fall"). The Hausa believe the name comes from Loko Ja ("A red corner") and that the city was named by the emir of Zazzau. The Nupe believe the name comes from Patti Lukongi ("The hill of doves"). The Igala believe the name comes from the expression Lewa ka je Eja (Come, let's eat fish). History The area that would become Lokoja has been inhabited for hundreds of years by people from different ethnic groups prior to the arrival of Europeans. The migrations of these groups to the area could be in part accounted for by its nearness to the banks of the Niger and Benue rivers. Some of the first groups of people to settle in Lokoja were the Oworo people/Yoruba from Ile-Ife, Hausa and Nupe. It is said that they migrated from Baro and some parts of present-day Niger State to the confluence of the Niger and Benue rivers. This area eventually became a center of trade. Example are the Kupas and some of the Kakandas. The Nupe and Zazzau emirs historically appointed the Hausas as political leaders, while the Nupe filled the position of religious leader as chief imam of Lokoja. Lokoja was ruled by the following Maigari of Lokoja (Hamza, Dauda, Musa, Muhammadu Maikarfi). The British then installed a Muslim convert called Bukar (originally named Abigel), who designated his residence at Yaragi Madabo Junction of Lokoja as the new Lokoja palace. In time, the position fell to Alhaji Yahaya Muhammadu Maikarfi, and after his demise, Alhaji Kabiru, his son, succeeded him. The people sustained themselves by engaging in farming and hunting activities at Agbaja hill.