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UNRAVELING THE MYSTERY OF GONGOLA STATE: A Journey Through History and Geography

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UNRAVELING THE MYSTERY OF GONGOLA STATE: A Journey Through History and Geography

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By Emmanuel Kwada

In the heart of Nigeria, there exists a river that bears two names, a phenomenon that has sparked curiosity and debate among scholars and locals alike. The River Gongola, as it is known to the world, has a unique characteristic that sets it apart from other rivers in the country.

River Gongola

From its source in the Bauchi Plateau, it flows through the region as River Dindima, only to take on the name of Gongola River as it enters a different geographical region, the Gongola region. This name change occurs as the river traverses through various territories, ultimately converging with the River Benue at Numan.

The concept of Gongola State extends beyond the physical boundaries of the river’s basin

The Gongola region, which encompasses the entirety of Adamawa State, Southern Borno, Southern Gombe, and Taraba State, is a geographical entity that has been shaped by the river’s flow. However, the concept of Gongola State extends beyond the physical boundaries of the river’s basin. It is rooted in the ideology, system of ideas, and ideals that have formed the basis of survival for the indigenous ethnic nationalities that inhabit this region. The economic, political, and democratic practices that have developed over time, particularly during the migratory trends and environmental adaptation, have created a shared cultural heritage among these autochthonous ethnic nationalities.

River Gongola linking River Benue

Chief Medan Fwa, mni, who issued the historic statement said despite the rich history and cultural significance of the Gongola region, there has been a longstanding debate about the naming of Adamawa State. The failure to distinguish between the basin flow of the river and the region through which it traverses has led to a myopic conclusion that the name of Gongola River was imposed on the entire state in 1976. However, this premise is flawed, as the geographical region through which the river flows is, in fact, called the Gongola Region.

The renaming of the state to Adamawa in 1991, in honor of the hero Hamman Moddibo Adama, has been seen as a departure from the region’s historical and cultural identity

He further stated that the renaming of the state to Adamawa in 1991, in honor of the hero Hamman Moddibo Adama, has been seen as a departure from the region’s historical and cultural identity. The argument is that the name Adamawa was imposed on the state without consideration for the existing cultural and geographical context. In response, there is a growing movement to revert the state’s name back to Gongola State, a name that is seen as more befitting and dignified.

According to him as the debate rages on, it is essential to understand the dynamics of the concept of Gongola State. The region’s unique history, cultural heritage, and geographical characteristics have created a distinct identity that transcends the physical boundaries of the river’s basin. The struggle to reclaim the name of Gongola State is not just about semantics; it is about preserving the cultural and historical integrity of the region and its people. As the author so eloquently puts it, “No quarrel,” the right to struggle for the reversal of the state’s name is a fundamental aspect of the region’s identity and a testament to the enduring spirit of the Gongola people.

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