By Olayemi Olaboye Itafa
In recent weeks of my hibernation in Offa, one truth has become glaring: our beloved town is in dire need of urgent urban renewal. Driving through some of our major roads — from the flagship Ọlọfa Way, to Popo Road, Taiwo Road, Secretariat Road, Igosun Road, Ipee Road, Ikọtun Road, and other arterial routes — one cannot but notice the growing disregard for town planning and aesthetics.
Across these roads, shops and other structures have been erected haphazardly, many of them far beyond the perimeter limits meant to preserve road space and pedestrian movement. The situation is not only unsightly but poses a grave threat to safety and order. At Tipper Garage, for example, I witnessed a shocking spectacle: a row of shops boldly erected right in the middle of what ought to be a thoroughfare. Such a development, no matter how it came to be, reflects a breakdown of regulation and an absence of coordinated planning.
Yes, we all recognize the truth: Offa is bursting at the seams. The town is experiencing a surge in commercial activities, and the demand for shops and trading spaces has understandably skyrocketed. This growth, while positive, is also overwhelming our limited infrastructure and creating pressure on available spaces. But we must ask ourselves: at what cost?
If we allow disorder to define our development, we risk turning Offa into a glorified village market, rather than the modern commercial and cultural hub it ought to be. Offa is too important — historically, culturally, and economically — to descend into chaos.
What we need, therefore, is a deliberate and coordinated urban transformation agenda. This must include:
Enforcement of town planning regulations, ensuring that roads remain roads, setbacks are respected, and spaces are preserved for future expansion.
Redesign of major arterial roads, not only for functionality but also for aesthetics, befitting Offa’s status as a regional centre.
Creation of designated markets and commercial complexes, to absorb the surging demand for shops without compromising urban order.
A long-term urban renewal masterplan, that anticipates Offa’s population and economic growth in the coming decades.
Offa is our Jerusalem. It is a heritage city with a proud history and a promising future. But to preserve its dignity and unlock its full potential, we must resist the temptation to develop in haste without order. Let us plan, let us regulate, and let us build a town that future generations will be proud to inherit.
