River Gods, River Ports, War Canoes and Regattas: Humans and Water Bodies in Historical Time and Space.

By Yakubu A. Ochefu PhD, FHSN, FNALProfessor of Economic History and Development Studies

A keynote Lecture at the 2024 Toyin Falola Conference, Benue State University, July 2024.

Introduction

Water bodies like rivers, lakes, and oceans, have played indispensable roles in human history, serving as sources of sustenance, trade routes, and symbols of spiritual and cultural identity. This short keynote, explores the intricate relationship between humans and water bodies throughout history, examining the multifaceted influence of water on human societies across various periods and geographical locations. The paper analyses how water has shaped religious beliefs, economic systems, political structures, and cultural practices through an interdisciplinary lens. By investigating historical cases and drawing upon contemporary scholarship, specifically focusing on the River Benue, the paper highlights the enduring significance of water in shaping human civilisation. It underscores the pressing need for sustainable water management in the present and future.

Water as the Lifeblood of Human Society

In the middle of the fifth century BCE, Empedocles of Acragas formulated a philosophical theory that recognised air, water, earth, and fire as the four elements that bind human civilisation. While the debate on which of the four was paramount, water is often regarded as the “lifeblood” that has shaped human history profoundly, influencing religious practices, economic activities, political dynamics, and cultural expressions. From sacred rivers to water deities, water has been imbued with spiritual significance in countless cultures, shaping religious practices and communities’ worldviews. Culturally, it has profoundly impacted expressions, from rituals and festivals to art and literature. Water is a source of inspiration and symbolises life, death, renewal, and purification. It has also been a critical driver of economic activities, from agriculture and fishing to trade and transportation. The availability and control of water resources have historically determined economic prosperity and power. Access to water has been a source of conflict and cooperation throughout history, influencing the rise and fall of empires and shaping political boundaries.

Historical Perspectives

From ancient civilisations of Mesopotamia, where the Tigris and Euphrates rivers were vital for the development of that civilisation, fueling agriculture, fostering trade and the rise of urbanisation, to ancient Egypt, where the Nile River provided the lifeblood of ancient Egyptian civilisation, supporting agriculture, transportation, and religious practices, water bodies have always been foundational in humanity’s development. The Indus River was the basis of the civilisation that provided sustenance and facilitated the growth of a flourishing urban civilisation. Water is a significant factor in the world’s major Religions. In Hinduism, the Ganges River serves as a purifying force, where rituals like bathing signify spiritual cleansing. For Christians, water serves a role in baptism as a symbol of purification and new beginnings, while in Islam,  it is mentioned in the Quran as a life-giving resource, and it is essential in the context of cleanliness.

Throughout Africa, water is revered as a source of life and fertility, deeply entwined with spiritual beliefs and ritual practices. From the veneration of rain deities and river spirits to the use of water in purification ceremonies and healing rituals, water is a powerful symbol of life, renewal, and spiritual connection. Many rivers and lakes hold religious significance across Africa. The Nile River, for example, is revered in Egyptian mythology as a sacred waterway associated with the god Hapi and representing life, fertility, and rebirth. Similarly, Lake Victoria, the largest lake in Africa, holds spiritual significance for communities in the surrounding regions. In many African cultures, water bodies are believed to be inhabited by ancestral spirits who play a vital role in shaping the lives of the living. These spirits are often invoked in ceremonies and rituals, and their presence is believed to influence the flow of water and the prosperity of communities. In many African cultures, water bodies serve as a source of identity and belonging. Communities living near rivers, lakes, and coastal areas often have strong ties to these water bodies, which are embedded in their histories, traditions, sports, recreation and cultural identities.

From an economic perspective, water has been the backbone of African economies for centuries, sustaining agricultural production and supporting vibrant fishing communities. From the fertile Nile Valley to the vast agrarian landscapes of West Africa, the Tchad and Congo Basin, water access is critical for food security and livelihoods. They have also facilitated trade and transportation across Africa, connecting communities and, fostering economic growth and serving as key arteries for the movement of goods, people, and ideas. In recent times, the harnessing of water power for electricity generation has played a significant role in modernising African economies, providing energy for industrial development and urban growth.

Water power has always been a major factor in politics. Given its role as gateways, the control of water routes has been key to building political power. Major political powers in pre-colonial Africa drew their strength from controlling waterways. The mighty empires of ancient Ghana, Mali, Songhai, and Kanem Borno, had their existence and power to major water bodies.

The penetration of Africa by imperialist forces was also done largely via the waterways. In contemporary times, major infrastructure such as hydroelectric dams have been built on all the major rivers in Africa. Competition for water resources has also been a source of tension and conflict. River basins shared by multiple countries often lead to disputes over water allocation and access, while drought and water scarcity have been known to exacerbate tensions.

The Benue River and its Valley as a Political and Economic Hub



The Benue River and its valley represent one of Africa’s biggest cultural, economic and political corridors. Together with the Nile, Niger, Congo, Zambezi and Limpopo, the Benue has served as a political and economic hub striding two countries and five states and across two geo-political zones. Its nearly 1,483 km of flow is home to some of the major ethnic groups in Central Nigeria, like the Bachama, Jukun, Fulani, Alago, Idoma, Igala, Bassa and Tiv. Major settlements on the banks of the River like Garoua, Yola, Numan, Lau, Ibi, Tunga, Abinsi, Makurdi, Shata, Bagana, Umaisha and Lokoja have at one time served or still serve as administrative and commercial capitals. The major tributaries of the Benue include rivers Taraba, Katsina-ala, Taraba, Donga, Gongola, Faro, Mada, and Mayo-Kebi. The Benue Valley is generally divided into two broad zones. Upper Benue (from Cameroun, through Adamawa to Taraba State. Lower Benue (from Nasarawa, through Benue to Kogi State) The entire stretch is navigable only during the rainy seasons from August to early October. The river is very rich with indigenous varieties of fish such as the famous Lates niloticus (giwan ruwa), West African manatee (Trichechus senegalensis) and Crocdylus Niloticus ( Nile crocodile). Initial Exploration by the NNPC has shown that the Benue through has significant  Oil and Gas resources and   is currently billed as a strategic reserve for the nation. Solid Mineral deposits in the region include Limestone, Galena, Lead, Silver,  baryte, coal, gypsum, salt, shales, silica, sand, kaolin, Marble, Tantalite, Mica, and Feldspar. The regions combined population and net worth in 2016 stood at 20.06 million and 22.507 million USD, respectively.

The Benue Valley as an Important Geo-Political Transition Zone, serves as a link between the Northern and Southern segments of Nigeria. Six bridges cross the river ( 4 in Nigeria and 1 in Cameroun). A new one is being constructed at   Ibi. The valley is also home to some major economic hubs; Sugar Cane Production (Numan, Lau and Tunga 150,000 hectares operated by Dangote Sugar), Rice, Fish, Yam, Cassava, Vegetables, Maize, Cement and River sand Mining. As an Important Geo-Political transition zone, the Benue valley hosts the largest indigenous population of settled Fulani. It is also home to Fulani political enclaves such as the emirates of Nasarawa, Lafia, Muri, and Fombina. It exists as the socio-religious barrier between what can be loosely described as the Islamic North and non-Islamic Central Region. The valley is home to the major ethnic groups that historically halted the advance of the Jihadists from Sokoto in the early 19th century, such as the Jukun, the Gomai, the Bachama, the Tiv and the Idoma. By implication, the zone is home to the most significant number of non-Islamized people in Northern Nigeria.

Potential for Economic Development

As Toyin Falola points out in a short but brilliant commentary on this conference, the intention is not only to historicise water bodies but also to point to how they can serve contemporary populations in the quest for economic and social development. By leveraging on pointers from history, it is easy to show and demonstrate that water bodies like the Benue, when properly harnessed and managed, can catalyse the economic expansion of the basin. As noted above, the basin is an important agricultural zone,  and a major producer of crops like rice, maize, cassava, sugar and cotton. The river is rich in fish species, providing a livelihood for many communities. Developing irrigation systems and improving agricultural practices could significantly boost production. Similarly, modernising fishing techniques and developing fish processing facilities could enhance the sector. Compared to other river systems, commercial river-based fish farming is yet to be practised on the Benue. The river’s natural beauty, historical sites, and cultural heritage offer huge potential for eco-tourism and cultural tourism. River-based sporting activities can also be developed to provide recreation opportunities. The river’s flow and topography create opportunities for the construction of more hydropower dams. In addition to the Ladgo dam in Cameroon and the Kashimbilla dam on the Katsina-ala River, plans have been muted to build another dam on the river to improve power supply, irrigation and waterway transportation.

Conclusion

Let me conclude this keynote by focusing on the specifics of Benue State University and the state itself. When Professor Joe Tor Iorapu was appointed Vice-Chancellor, I wrote him an aide memoire in which I mentioned the need to take a more than passing interest in the river behind our campus. I wrote;

The river is one of the most significant assets that we keep ignoring. We can use it to teach, research, for recreation and most importantly, make money. There is absolutely no reason why we should NOT have a “Centre for River Benue Studies”. You can kick start this with a small committee (VC’sVC’s Committee without fanfare) to put the framework together and announce the formation by the first quarter of 2021. I volunteer to work with the Committee. We can partner with firms to invest in an industrial dredger to begin to mine sand and build the largest sand pyramid in Nigeria. We can build the largest river-based fish and freshwater prawns farm in Northern Nigeria. We can build an Olympic-sized swimming pool and water park using the river as a feedstock. An industrial dredger costs about 100 million naira. Better still, it can be fabricated locally. If BSU invests in one, it will recover its money in no time.

When I did not hear from him, I wrote a similar memo to  Professor Isaac Itodo when he was appointed Vice-Chancellor of JOSTUM. I also made a presentation to the Transition Committee of the current administration and urged them to consider the appointment of a Special Advisor on River Benue Matters. I had often wondered why the river from which the state derives its name is not usually the source of interest by succeeding governments. I am a happy person today as this conference will set the agenda for us all to take this natural endowment more seriously.

I look forward to the eight Universities in the Benue Basin to forge strategic relationships for intensive study of the river and its rich cultural, religious, and economic landscape. The newly emerging digital technologies in the water sector, often called digital water solutions, intelligent water services or digital water technologies, such as sensors, smart pumps, and meters, as well as software solutions, artificial intelligence, or machine learning applications, are emerging areas of research that our universities need to leverage on. 

Water has played and will continue to play a pivotal role in shaping our societies, influencing religious beliefs, driving economic activities, and influencing political structures and cultural practices. In recognising the significance of water bodies and their crucial role in fostering sustainable development, our communities and nations will increasingly be working together to find solutions to the challenges posed by water scarcity, pollution, and climate change.

References

Christina Walter, “Digital Technologies for the Future of the Water Sector? Examining the Discourse on Digital Water”

Edward J. O’Brien “A History of Water”

Jean-Pierre Elhance and John R. Tarrant, (eds), “Water and Society in Africa: A Continent Under Stress”

J.B. Ojwang and D. Ogunlade (ed) “The Politics of Water in Africa”

John A. Sanford,  “Water in the World’s Religions”

John Waterbury “The Nile: A Water Story

Peter H. Gleick, “The Water Crisis: The Importance of Water for the 21st Century”

Rebecca T. Gruenhagen “Water in Time: The History of Water Resources in the West” 

S. M. Ghosh (ed)”Water and Religion: A Global Perspective”

P. B. S. Peters and S. M. T. Onyango  (eds) “Water, Land and Culture in Africa: The Local Level”

Y. Ochefu, Development of European Trade in the Lower Benue Valley, 1830-1980

the World Bank “Water Security: A Guide to Building a Water-Secure Future”