Similar threads have been created in respect to revealing the true history, political significance and people of many states in the southern part of Nigeria.

So i think it'd be best suitable to also take this to the northern and middlebelt states of Nigeria, so that the significance of all parts of Nigeria can be well appreciated, i begin with Kogi state.

KOGI STATE : 10 INTERESTING FACTS YOU SHOULD KNOW.

Kogi, one of the 36 states in Nigeria located in the North-central geopolitcal zone in the middlebelt (central) region of the country.
The state occupies a total landmass of 29,833 km2 (11,519 sq mi) and was created in the year 1991 from old Kwara and Benue states.

Here are some factors that make this state quite unique amongst other states in Nigeria.

1) THE NAME NIGERIA - Many people do not actually know that the name of our dear country Nigeria was coined in Lokoja, the kogi state capital by Flora Shaw, the British journalist who later became the wife of Lord Lugard (first governor general of Nigeria), when she was gazing at the magnificence of the greatest river in Nigeria, the river Niger.


2) THE JUNCTION STATE - The nickname of Kogi state should have been called the 'junction state' because this state connects/has a boundary with the highest number of states in Nigeria.
10 states Anambra, Enugu, Benue, Nasarawa, Niger, Kwara, Ekiti, Ondo, Edo states and the FCT are all joined together by this great state.
I think the federal capital territory would have been best situated in this state for complete centralization and unification. Nonetheless the FCT is just a stone throw away from Kogi and infact part of Kogi state was also carved to form the FCT.


3) CONFLUENCY - Kogi state is so significant because this state houses a very remarkable handwork of mother nature -The confluence of the two greatest rivers that run across Nigeria, the river Niger and river Benue in the city of Lokoja.
Anyone who has travelled through Lokoja and has seen the captivating scenery of this confluence would agree with me that it is indeed a spectacular sight.


4) AJAOKUTA STEEL & IRON INDUSTRY - The multi-billion dollars steel & iron industry, the largest of it's kind in Nigeria was established in 1971 on a 24,000 hectare land. This mighty industry has unfortunately been left moribund for a long period of time, but recently over the years, concerted efforts has been made by the Nigerian government to ensure its full capacity functioning.
This industry is viewed as a potential bedrock for the industrialization of Nigeria.

5) FIRST ADMINISTRATIVE CENTRE - Infact this city called Lokoja is just so important in Nigerian history and it is really terrible to think how much it has been neglected over the decades by past and present administrations in Nigeria.
Lokoja was the first administrative centre of Nigeria because it was the first settlement of the british in Nigeria. It served as the first capital of the old northern protectorate and even after amalgamation of the northern and southern prectorates it also remained the admininstrative centre for a while.



Photos
1, Kogi and it's boundary states
2, The great confluence
3 Ajaokuta steel industry

The only state that can't define development

6) ETHNO- RELIGIOUS DIVERSITY AND MELTING POINT - Kogi state is one state in Nigeria which can really be classified as truly diverse and the same time unifying. The state comprises mainly of 3 ethnic groups which are the Igalas, the Igbirras and the yoruba speaking Okun people, together with other minority groups like Ogori magongo, Gwari, Agatu/idoma and nupe speaking tribes, Bassa, Kakanda and Kupa.

Kogi state is one state that it is extremely difficult to determine between muslims and christians who is more in population. Take for instance the Okun people in the state are predominantly christians, the Egbirra people are predominantly muslims while the Igalas, the largest tribe in the state are somewhat 50/50.
Among the minority groups, the Ogori magongo and the Bassas are dominantly christians, the Kakanda and Kupa are dominantly muslims while the Agatu and Gwari are somewhat 50/50.

Kogi state is the only state in Nigeria which shows true WAZOBIA influences of the 3 major groups of Nigeria, Hausa, yoruba and Igbo (owing to it's location).

Firstly, One of the major groups in Kogi state is yoruba speaking (Okun) with yoruba origins from Ile-ife.

Secondly, you almost cannot seperate Igala and Igbo history apart (especially the southern part of Igala). Some say according to history Igala and Igbo have the same father, some say one of the tribes begat the other. Nevertheless the cultural diffusion and oneness of the igalas and igbos can be seen through their days of the week, names, language vocabulary similarities, masquerades, intermixed communities e.t.c. There are many igala communities with Igbo origins and vice versa in igbo land, and in some places on both sides, the natives are fully billingual, giving rise to some igbo speaking igalas in Kogi state and vice versa on the other side.

Lastly, the ethnicity of the King (Maigari) and ruling families of Lokoja is one that can hardly be ascertained and this is because of over a hundred years mixing of hausa-fulanis and the aboriginal Nupes in Lokoja. Many of the Nupes in Lokoja are of hausa origin and till date many speak hausa and even identify as hausa. This was clearly what influenced the name of the state KOGI which means 'river' in hausa language.


7) GREAT IGALA KINGDOM - Kogi state is home to one of the great kingdoms that existed in pre-colonial Nigeria.
The kingdom was founded in the 7th century by Abutu-eje and lasted until the late 19th century when it was subjugated by the colonialists. It would take another full thread or series of threads to fully explain the great influence, spread, wars, descendants and sacredness of this great kingdom in details.


8 ... IGALAS OF YORUBA HAUSA AND IGBO ORIGINS - Many igalas themselves probably do not know that their ethnic group is very unique in the sense that it is the only minority tribe in Nigeria which has clear influences and people of (Wazobia) yoruba, hausa and igbo origins.

For the igbo influences, In the 6th point i highlighted a little about the interesting igala/igbo relationship. Both groups share a great deal of boundary , culture and history together and have been heavily inter-mixed for over centuries now.

For the yoruba Influences, Igala language is basically classified as a yoruboid language, due to it's linguistic structure which is basically yoruba. Yorubas and Igalas have been neighbours for hundreds of years before the Egbirras migrated from Kwararafa kingdom, settled in between and cut off igalas from yoruba groups. A yoruba speaker who understands various yoruba dialects will be very much likely to understand igala language to a good extent.
Also, according to igala oral history, igalas agree with the Benins that Oduduwa migrated from Benin to yoruba land but passed through igala land where he formed a chiefdom Ife (a town and chiefdom in Igala land till date) before further migrating to Ile-ife in yoruba land and that this is why yoruba and igala languages are so similar. There is a title in Igala land known as the Ojogba of Ife and this is the only king that cannot bow to the great Attah of Igala land till date.

For the hausa influence, Ankpa, the most populated LGA in igala land (2006 census) has communities that clearly acknowledge their hausa-fulani ancestry e.g Angwa town, who are descendants of hausa traders who came to trade with igalas centuries ago and were later on igalanized. This is believed to be the window of islam into igala land. This is quite evident with the fact that Ankpa has the strongest islamic populations in Igala land.


9) VERY RICH CULTURE - I honestly believe that in the north-central geopolitical zone, the people of Kogi state arguably have the richest and most undiluted culture, due to their cultural history, migrations, historical relationship with all the 3 major tribes of Nigeria and even other great kingdoms like the Benin kingdom. Kogi state masquerades, cultural dances, attires, traditional music e.t.c are really wonderful.
Despite being in the north with a large muslim population, there is no single islamic emirate in Kogi state. The Attah of Igala is said to be one of the northern kings who can never bow, stand up or show respect to the Sultan of Sokoto. Kogi state arguably has the largest population of traditionalists in the North-central zone (due to the power of their culture).




Photos
1, Great Attah of Igala land
2, Egbirra women in traditional attire
3, Okun traditional dancers
4, Igala masquerade

10) Kogi state is also well known for its tourist attractions, some of which are:

The late Ohinoyi of Egbirra palace, an ancient and modern architectural wonder.

The Inikpi statue built in memory of Inikpi, the daughter of the first Attah of Igala kingdom who was buried alive on the instruction of the Oracle to restore peace and freedom in the land.

Iron of Liberty which marks the spot where slaves that were rescued from slave traders were set free.

The confluence of River Niger and River Benue.

Osome Falls located in Ukpogo. Osome is a stream that makes its way through rocks of different heights before sharply descending in a valley about 50 metres below. The sound the water makes when it hits the ground below can be heard from about 100 meters away.

Mount Patti, Lokoja which is a massive hill towering Lokoja. The Confluence point of Rivers Niger and Benue can be seen from the flat top.

Holy Trinity school Lokoja. This school was established in 1860 by Bishop Ajayi Crowther. It is the first primary school in Northern Nigeria.

Awo tunnel, a former refuge for the royal family in times of war dug during the reign of Onoja Obari. It is about 1 kilometer long.

Lord Luggard’s first residence and office in Nigeria.

European colonial cemeteries.

World war cenotaph

Agbaja plateau.

Eganja warm spring

Royal Niger company flag e.t.c.




Photos
1, Late Ohinoyi of Ebira palace
2, Inikpi statue
3, Lugard guest house

You forgot to add the numerous mineral resources the state possesses. How it still manages to be so under developed points to the archaic and incompetent governors it has produced from 91 to date.

I am not claiming to be a superior fountain of knowledge of any of these facts. Just an average everyday Nigerian from the North-central (middlebelt region) of the country willing to showcase some facts about the northern region and her individual states.
I welcome corrections from the facts listed above if any.



Here are some references for those who want to go further in the historical facts of this piece.

http://www.worldhistory.biz/sundries/48038-igbo-and-igala.

htmlhttps://profcollinson./2013/03/12/the-history-of-igala-kindom/

http://edonationsatelite..com.ng/2016/07/igalayoruba-relationship-oduduwa.html?m=1

http://www.ebiravabe.com/2016/02/who-are-indigenes-of-okene-anokene-fact.html?m=1

http://connectnigeria.com/articles/2015/04/7-interesting-facts-about-the-igalas-you-should-know/

Moderators: Lalasticlala, odumchi, Fulaman198, bigfrancis21

kennygee:
You forgot to add the numerous mineral resources the state possesses. How it still manages to be so under developed points to the archaic and incompetent governors it has produced from 91 to date.

Ooo, thank you so much. My bad.

Pls Kogi state indigenes should help us with a comprehensive list of influential achievers from their state cos i only know of those in the entertainment industry and politics e.g

Halima Abubakar - Nollywood actress
Ufedo Sunshine - Nollywood actress
Mercy Ozioma Johnson- Okojie - Nollywood actress
Esther Ene Audu - Nollywood actress
Rahama Hassan - Kannywood actress
Gbenro Ajibade - Nollywood actor
Darey Art Alade - Nigerian musician
Praiz (Praise Ugbede Adejo) - Nigerian musician

Dr Salamat Ahuoiza Aliu - First female Nigerian trained Neurosurgeon


Adamu Atta - First civillian governor of Old Kwara state
Abubakar Audu - First civillian governor of Kogi state

That state no dey try @ all. Bad roads everywhere,terrible weather,lack of social amenities. It was in kogi state,i got to know some local governments don't have light,network,etc. Wack state,but they got endowed females.

I love Igala people. Sometimes you confuse them for Igbo.

On account of Igala oral history about Oduduwa's roots the only narrators of this lie are Edos. Trying to find supporting side to cement their falsehood they prop Igala as a referee. Meanwhile Igala itself comes short when giving accounts of its own history. If you stammer to tell your own history, how can you be confident or believable in what you say of Yoruba history?

Also to point out that Okun are full fledged Yorubas. They are Yoruba people, not Yoruba speaking people. This is an error that should be corrected. Can you say Oyo people are Yoruba speaking? Can you say Lagos people are Yoruba speaking? How about Ekiti, are they Yoruba speaking people...or are they Yorubas? Why are people educated but yet undemostrative of scholarship?

Lastly, what is the meaning of Lokoja in any of Nupe, Hausa or Igala languages?

OdenigboAroli:
I love Igala people. Sometimes you confuse them for Igbo.

I just spoke about the need to demonstrate scholarship.

You may confuse Igala for Igbo, the rest of Nigeria does not. What in the appearance of these Igalas pictured below depict Igbo culture?

ImperialYoruba:


I just spoke about the need to demonstrate scholarship.

You may confuse Igala for Igbo, the rest of Nigeria does not. What in the appearance of these Igalas pictured below depict Igbo culture?

Sir, like i noted in the thread. Igalas have influences of both yoruba, igbo and hausa. I have seen igala people whom i mistook for igbos until they told me that they were not igbos, likewise igalas i mistook for yorubas.

Many igalas from the southern part of igala land (sharing boundary with igbos) do look like igbos a lot, coupled with the fact that some igalas and igbos share similar names. And some igalas from the southern part of igala land are billingual in igala and igbo.
U can see an igala man answering a name like Onuche Okpananchi, most Nigerians who do not know Kogi names would conclude at first sight that the man is an igbo man, or is it the current igala deputy governor whose name is Simon Achuba and at first many people were carrying rumours that he is an igbo man.

Nowenuse:


Sir, like i noted in the thread. Igalas have influences of both yoruba, igbo and hausa. I have seen igala people whom i mistook for igbos until they told me that they were not igbos, likewise igalas i mistook for yorubas.

Many igalas from the southern part of igala land (sharing boundary with igbos) do look like igbos a lot, coupled with the fact that some igalas and igbos share similar names. And some igalas from the southern part of igala land are billingual in igala and igbo.
U can see an Igala man answering a name like Onuche Okpananchi, most Nigerians who do not know Kogi names would conclude at first sight that the man is an igbo man, or is it the current igala deputy governor whose name is Simon Achuba and at first many people were carrying rumours that he is an igbo man.

People just think any name that has some sounds such as "ch" has to be Igbo? No it does not.
Of course if any Nigerian that is neither Igbo nor Igala thinks they sound Igbo, that is simply a result of their own lack of knowledge.
Onuche can mean The King Is/does. Or the Lord lives. from "Onu" - King and "Che" - Do/Is

Igala names when you break them down usually, their actual meanings will come out, so to speak.
A name like Ojone which comes from Ojo (God) and One (Person) meaning God's person
Ojonimi (God owns life) from Ojo (God) ni (Owns) Emi (Breath/Life)
Ilemona (The world does not know tomorrow) from Ile (World) Imo (Knowledge) Ona (Tomorrow).
Omaye (Mother's child) from Oma (Child) and Iye (Mother)

Okpanachi in Igala means "A new beginning" -It might look Ibo to other people who simply associate "ch" with Igboid languages - but on a closer look at the breakdown of the phonemes it would mean nothing in Igbo. If any similar looking names exist in Igbo, it would mean something completely different and unrelated.
Similarly names like Obaje, Adegbe, Ojonubi, Adejo, Abimaje, Ayegba are Igala names that look very Yorubaish, but their Igala meaning and their Yoruba meaning will be quite dissimilar.

The Igala and Igbo languages actually have zero cognates, as they aren't even in the same linguistic family. like 99% Indigenous Igala names must as a rule begin in Vowels like Yoruba. Igbo on the other hand has tons of names starting in consonants. I think you are getting the point?

As to the other part of what you said, yeah you can be right to say that some southern Igala areas especially those around Ibaji and Akpanya that are close to Enugu/Anambra have influences from some Northern Igbo clans due to proximity. Same way Igala influences also extend into both states. But you can't say Igalas as a whole are influenced by Igbo- same way I can't say all of Igboland have gala influence. Looking at Igala culture as a whole from the Onu (Atta Igala)/traditional kingship system, to beliefs, to myth of origin, to language, the relationship with Igbo can be said to be non existent. Igbo towns like Onitsha, Many in Ayamelum/Anambra West LGs of Anambra, Ezike etc are the ones that have a history of Igala patriarchy and not vice versa. So while we can say Igalas produced some Igbo groups, and influenced numerous others Igbos are not related to Igalas at the root of their very existence. Similarities in culture at areas of close proximity is but an extra layer of superficial relationship.

Just out of curiosity though, are you Igala?

YonkijiSappo:


People just think any name that has some sounds such as "ch" has to be Igbo? No it does not.
Of course if any Nigerian that is neither Igbo nor Igala thinks they sound Igbo, that is simply a result of their own lack of knowledge.
Onuche can mean The King Is/does. Or the Lord lives. from "Onu" - King and "Che" - Do/Is

Igala names when you break them down usually, their actual meanings will come out, so to speak.
A name like Ojone which comes from Ojo (God) and One (Person) meaning God's person
Ojonimi (God owns life) from Ojo (God) ni (Owns) Emi (Breath/Life)
Ilemona (The world does not know tomorrow) from Ile (World) Imo (Knowledge) Ona (Tomorrow).
Omaye (Mother's child) from Oma (Child) and Iye (Mother)

Okpanachi in Igala means "A new beginning" -It might look Ibo to other people who simply associate "ch" with Igboid languages - but on a closer look at the breakdown of the phonemes it would mean nothing in Igbo. If any similar looking names exist in Igbo, it would mean something completely different and unrelated.
Similarly names like Obaje, Adegbe, Ojonubi, Adejo, Abimaje, Ayegba are Igala names that look very Yorubaish, but their Igala meaning and their Yoruba meaning will be quite dissimilar.

The Igala and Igbo languages actually have zero cognates, as they aren't even in the same linguistic family. like 99% Indigenous Igala names must as a rule begin in Vowels like Yoruba. Igbo on the other hand has tons of names starting in consonants. I think you are getting the point?

As to the other part of what you said, yeah you can be right to say that some southern Igala areas especially those around Ibaji and Akpanya that are close to Enugu/Anambra have influences from some Northern Igbo clans due to proximity. Same way Igala influences also extend into both states. But you can't say Igalas as a whole are influenced by Igbo- same way I can't say all of Igboland have gala influence. Looking at Igala culture as a whole from the Onu (Atta Igala)/traditional kingship system, to beliefs, to myth of origin, to language, the relationship with Igbo can be said to be non existent. Igbo towns like Onitsha, Many in Ayamelum/Anambra West LGs of Anambra, Ezike etc are the ones that have a history of Igala patriarchy and not vice versa. So while we can say Igalas produced some Igbo groups, and influenced numerous others Igbos are not related to Igalas at the root of their very existence. Similarities in culture at areas of close proximity is but an extra layer of superficial relationship.

Just out of curiosity though, are you Igala?

One Igbo influence on the entire Igala land is the Igbo 4 market days of Eke, Oye, Afor and Nkwo that the Igalas also use, called Eke, Ede, Afor and Ukwo. Not only the Igalas, but also the Idomas and Binis also use the 4 Igbo market days, which is said to be of Nri origin.

I am from the clan of Umunri in Anambra state and our history says one of the sons of Eri (our founding father), Onoja, begat Igala and there is a popular saying in Igbo language that if Igbo people are finished today, there are still some Igbos in Igala, implying the historical connection between Igbo and Igala.

In the past, a lot of migration took place between people. People often migrated from areas to area to settle. Some Igbos moved upwards and settled in Igala and Idoma lands and vice versa. In Nsukka you could find one or two people bearing 'Obeta', 'Idoko', etc. as surname, implying an ancestral Idoma origin, but they are completely Igbo today. And vice versa.

Igala language is said to be Yoruboid but it does have alphabet and writing systems that are Igboid. Idoma, when written, looks completely Igboid.

Igbo language and Bini language also share some words in common too.

bigfrancis21:


One Igbo influence on the entire Igala land is the Igbo 4 market days of Eke, Oye, Afor and Nkwo that the Igalas also use, called Eke, Ede, Afor and Ukwo. Not only the Igalas, but also the Idomas and Binis also use the 4 Igbo market days, which is said to be of Nri origin.

I am from the clan of Umunri in Anambra state and our history says one of the sons of Eri (our founding father), Onoja, begat Igala and there is a popular saying in Igbo language that if Igbo people are finished today, there are still some Igbos in Igala, implying the historical connection between Igbo and Igala.

In the past, a lot of migration took place between people. People often migrated from areas to area to settle. Some Igbos moved upwards and settled in Igala and Idoma lands and vice versa. In Nsukka you could find one or two people bearing 'Obeta', 'Idoko', etc. as surname, implying an ancestral Idoma origin, but they are completely Igbo today. And vice versa.

Igala language is said to be Yoruboid but it does have alphabet and writing systems that are Igboid. Idoma, when written, looks completely Igboid.

Igbo language and Bini language also share some words in common too.

Not all of Igala have 4 market days, some have a 5 day cycle, others have 9. Those that have four call them: Eke, Ede, Afor, Ukwo in accordance with gala pronunciation and spelling conventions.
I guess it depends on the area.

Igala can't (begat) be from Igbo, because Igbos don't have a myth of common origin. Maybe you are referring to your group in Anambra, and if I am to guess, I would say all those border areas were areas influenced by the throne in Idah. Years of hegemonic influence , and you have the situation that is playing out today where some Igbo groups have woven an Igala connection into their history while others further south and east don't even know what Igala is. Because come to think of it, the Igala traditional system do not recognise any Igbo group in their history.
I have read various versions of Igala origin including those from Yoruba, Jukun (Kwararafa) and even Benin... but I have never come across an Igala person saying they come from Igbo.

Igala alphabet and spelling does not look Igboid, Francis, let's not kid ourselves here. As for Idoma I dont know and honestly don't care.

Look at months of the year for example.
Igala ----- Igbo ----- Yoruba ----- Gloss ----- Equivalent
Ochu inyẹ ----- Ọnwa mbụ ----- Oshu Kini -----first moon ----- “January”
Ochu ẹkeji ----- Ọnwa nke abụọ ----- Oshu Ekeji ----- second moon ----- “February”
Ochu ẹkẹta ----- Ọnwa nke atọ ----- Oshu Eketa ----- third moon ----- “March”
Ochu ẹkẹlẹ ----- Ọnwa nke anọ ----- Oshu Ekerin ----- fourth moon ----- “April”
Ochu ẹkẹlu ----- Ọnwa nke ise ----- Oshu Ekerun ----- fifth moon ----- “May”
Ochu ẹkẹfa ----- Ọnwa nke isii ----- Oshu Ekefa ----- sixth moon ----- “June”
Ochu ẹkebie ----- Ọnwa nke asaa ----- Oshu Ekeje ----- seventh moon ----- “July”
Ochu ẹkẹjọ ----- Ọnwa nke asatọ ----- Oshu Ekejo ----- eighth moon ----- “August”
Ochu ẹkẹla ----- Ọnwa nke itoolu ----- Oshu Ekesan ----- nineth moon ----- “September”
Ochu ẹkẹgwa ----- Ọnwa nke iri ----- Oshu Ekewa ----- tenth moon ----- “October”
Ochu ẹkẹgwa oka ----- Ọnwa nke iri na otu ----- Oshu Ekanla ----- eleventh moon ----- “November”
Ochu ẹkẹgwa eji ----- Ọnwa nke iri na abụọ ----- Oshu Ekejila ----- twelfth moon ----- “December”

I don't even want to go into the deep language, so that will do.

Be the Judge.

YourNemesis:


Not all of Igala have 4 market days, some have a 5 day cycle, others have 9. Those that have four call them: Eke, Ede, Afor, Ukwo in accordance with gala pronunciation and spelling conventions.
I guess it depends on the area.

Igala can't (begat) be from Igbo, because Igbos don't have a myth of common origin. Maybe you are referring to your group in Anambra, and if I am to guess, I would say all those border areas were areas influenced by the throne in Idah. Years of hegemonic influence , and you have the situation that is playing out today where some Igbo groups have woven an Igala connection into their history while others further south and east don't even know what Igala is. Because come to think of it, the Igala traditional system do not recognise any Igbo group in their history.
I have read various versions of Igala origin including those from Yoruba, Jukun (Kwararafa) and even Benin... but I have never come across an Igala person saying they come from Igbo.

Igala alphabet and spelling does not look Igboid, Francis, let's not kid ourselves here. As for Idoma I dont know and honestly don't care.

Look at months of the year for example.
Igala ----- Igbo ----- Yoruba ----- Gloss ----- Equivalent
Ochu inyẹ ----- Ọnwa mbụ ----- Oshu Kini -----first moon ----- “January”
Ochu ẹkeji ----- Ọnwa nke abụọ ----- Oshu Ekeji ----- second moon ----- “February”
Ochu ẹkẹta ----- Ọnwa nke atọ ----- Oshu Eketa ----- third moon ----- “March”
Ochu ẹkẹlẹ ----- Ọnwa nke anọ ----- Oshu Ekerin ----- fourth moon ----- “April”
Ochu ẹkẹlu ----- Ọnwa nke ise ----- Oshu Ekerun ----- fifth moon ----- “May”
Ochu ẹkẹfa ----- Ọnwa nke isii ----- Oshu Ekefa ----- sixth moon ----- “June”
Ochu ẹkebie ----- Ọnwa nke asaa ----- Oshu Ekeje ----- seventh moon ----- “July”
Ochu ẹkẹjọ ----- Ọnwa nke asatọ ----- Oshu Ekejo ----- eighth moon ----- “August”
Ochu ẹkẹla ----- Ọnwa nke itoolu ----- Oshu Ekesan ----- nineth moon ----- “September”
Ochu ẹkẹgwa ----- Ọnwa nke iri ----- Oshu Ekewa ----- tenth moon ----- “October”
Ochu ẹkẹgwa oka ----- Ọnwa nke iri na otu ----- Oshu Ekanla ----- eleventh moon ----- “November”
Ochu ẹkẹgwa eji ----- Ọnwa nke iri na abụọ ----- Oshu Ekejila ----- twelfth moon ----- “December”

I don't even want to go into the deep language, so that will do.

Be the Judge.

I had to unban you from spam bot.

Well, Igala and Yoruba have similar numeral systems. The example you gave buttresses that and also the fact that Igala is Yoruboid which I said before.

By alphabet system being similar to Igbo I mean the writing system. In case you've forgotten, Alphabet refers to the writing system of a language. Thus you have the English Alphabet made up of A to Z, French alphabet, Arabic alphabet, Igbo alphabet, Yoruba alphabet etc. Differences exist between Igbo and Yoruba alphabet systems. In the Igbo alphabet you have 'ch', 'z', 'kp', 'gw' etc which are absent in the Yoruba alphabet but present in the Igala alphabet, probably arising from the Igalas living close to Igbos and the Igbo influence wearing off there of. In similar vein, the Olukwumi dialect of Yoruba spoken by a few villages in Ugbodu and Ukwunzu in Delta Igbo are made of Igbo consonants which you would not find in the Yoruba alphabet system. This is the point I'm trying to make. Orally, Igala is more related to Yoruba and both groups may understand themselves when spoken but the Igala alphabet (when writing it) resembles the Igbo alphabet. There's a difference between the two.

Articles I've read online all say the 4 market days of Igala are used everywhere. Not really sure of what you're saying. If there's a 5-day system anywhere I'm pretty sure the extra day is an addition the 4 Igbo market days Igalas use.

I don't think any one group or nation has just one source of origin. Even the English, French, etc are not descended from one source. The English people, for example, are descended from the Angles, Saxons and Jutes. Today, they are all one people. It doesn't have to be different for the Igbos. You equally admitted to the Igalas having different sources of origin. An Igbo origin of Igalas exists too, however maybe restricted only to a part of Igala land. This could possibly explain the return movement of some Igalas back to Igboland in the past, most who are completely Igbos now.

YonkijiSappo:



The Igala and Igbo languages actually have zero cognates, as they aren't even in the same linguistic family. like 99% Indigenous Igala names must as a rule begin in Vowels like Yoruba. Igbo on the other hand has tons of names starting in consonants. I think you are getting the point?

I was agreeing with you until I reached this paragraph. Igbo and Igala do have cognates. Igbo and Igala do belong to the same linguistic family together with other Middle Belt and Southern Nigerian languages like Idoma, Nupe, the Edoid group of languages and the rest of the Yoruboid group of languages. This language family is called West Benue-Congo Language Family or (in dated texts) Kwa Language Family.

AjaanaOka:


I was agreeing with you until I reached this paragraph. Igbo and Igala do have cognates. Igbo and Igala do belong to the same linguistic family together with other Middle Belt and Southern Nigerian languages like Idoma, Nupe, the Edoid group of languages and the rest of the Yoruboid group of languages. This language family is called West Benue-Congo Language Family or (in dated texts) Kwa Language Family.

Yeah you are right all these languages are all related and all share word cognates at the root, but degree of separation varies you know.

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Honestly, I love both your expose, I have learnt a lot and am looking forward to learning more.

please any one from Ankpa here ? or any Kogite here