Mount Patti, towering at 1,503 feet (458 meters) in Lokoja, Nigeria, is not only a natural wonder but also a significant historical site. It served as a strategic location for colonial administrators, particularly Lord Frederick Lugard, who was instrumental in shaping modern Nigeria.

In the early 1900s, Lugard established his residence, known as Lord Lugard’s Rest House, on the mountain. This structure, built around 1900, became a retreat for Lugard and a base for his administrative activities. The vantage point provided him with sweeping views of the confluence of the Niger and Benue Rivers, allowing him to monitor the surrounding areas effectively.

Lugard often used binoculars to observe the town below, reinforcing his control over the Northern Protectorate.

The mountain is historically significant as the site where Flora Shaw, Lugard’s wife, coined the name “Nigeria” in 1914. While gazing at the rivers from the summit, she envisioned a name that would unify the diverse regions under British influence.

Her essay in The Times advocated for a shorter term to replace the cumbersome “Royal Niger Company Territories,” ultimately leading to the adoption of “Nigeria.”

Mount Patti also holds educational importance, as it was home to the first primary school in Northern Nigeria, established in 1865. Today, it remains a popular hiking destination, attracting visitors who seek to experience its natural beauty and historical legacy.

Although some structures have fallen into disrepair, including the museum of colonial history, the site continues to be a symbol of Nigeria’s colonial past and a reminder of the country’s journey toward independence.