The historic town of Offa, Kwara State witnessed another significant milestone today as the ‘Omo Offa Ni Mi’ Initiative, in partnership with the Offa Local Government Area Council, held the groundbreaking and foundation-laying ceremony for its National Headquarters.
The event took place at the designated site behind the Offa Local Government Secretariat, adjacent to the NIS and FRSC offices, formerly known as the Traditional Council Office.
The ‘Omo Offa Ni Mi’ project, a visionary identity database initiative exclusively for Offa indigenes, had late last year received the royal endorsement of the Olofa of Offa, HRM Oba Mufutau Gbadamosi Okikiola Esuwoye II, Ajagungbade I.
At today’s groundbreaking event, the revered monarch was represented by two high-ranking traditional chiefs: High Chief Joseph Bayo Akinola, the Ojomu of Offa, and Chief Fatai Lawal, the Esinkin of Offa.
Speaking on behalf of the monarch, High Chief Akinola reiterated the Kabiyesi’s unwavering commitment to the vision of transforming Offa into a digital city through strategic innovations like this initiative.
Air Vice Marshal (AVM) Abdulfatai Olabisi (Rtd), who leads the initiative’s national team, emphasized once again the significance of the project, describing it as a critical tool for enabling data-driven development and seamless governance.
He restated that the identity database will be integrated with the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC), providing unique identifiers for all Offa indigenes—home and abroad.
“This headquarters is not just a building; it is a symbol of our collective vision to digitize Offa and strategically position our town for smart development.
“We are building infrastructure that will speak to the future of governance, economy, and social inclusion in Offa,” AVM Olabisi said.
He further noted that the identity cards issued through the initiative would double as transaction cards, with the capacity to generate revenue for the local government via micro-transaction commissions—a sustainable model for community funding.
Kwara State House of Assembly member representing Ojomu/Balogun Constituency, Ogbeni Seun David Ogunniyi, praised the initiative as “a bold, community-owned response to the digital era,” pledging legislative support to enhance its policy backing.
The Chairman of Offa Local Government, Alhaji Sulaiman Olatunji Laaro (Omituntun), was represented by the Council Speaker, Rt. Hon. Sharafa Olawale Mustapha (Sharon), who was flanked by a host of councilors.
He conveyed the local government’s enthusiastic support, describing the collaboration as “a catalyst for smart governance, digital transformation, and effective resource planning.”
The event attracted an array of dignitaries, professionals, and community leaders, underscoring the broad-based support for the project. Among the key attendees were: Engr. Abdulfatai Kolawole Yusuf, President of NSE Offa Branch, Engr. (Mrs) Mujidat Simisola Bammeke-Oladipo, Financial Secretary of Offa Engineers, Mr. Oyediran Leye, Vice Chairman, ICAN Offa District, Hon. Abdulwaheed Gbenga Yusuf (JK), member of Kwara State House of Assembly representing Eesa/Shawo/Igboidun Constituency, represented by Alhaji Alli, Mr. Mudashiru Akeem Olatunji, Secretary, Offa Descendants Union (Home Branch), Apostle Kolawole, a representative of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Lawyer Lawal, Lawyer Agbaje who are both notable legal practitioners and community advocates.
The occasion was marked with prayers, goodwill messages, and symbolic laying of the foundation stone—setting the stage for the construction of what will become the national nerve center for the ‘Omo Offa Ni Mi’ project.
Conceived by Engr. (Dr.) Moshood Kola Gbolasere Balogun, the founder of Momas Electricity Meters Manufacturing Company Limited (MEMMCOL) and ONEIH-KBTC, the project represents a fusion of innovation, culture, and futuristic thinking.
With its headquarters now underway, Offa stands poised to become a national model for how grassroots technology adoption can reshape development narratives in local communities.
As the sun set on a successful day of ceremonies, the message was clear: Offa is not only preserving its rich heritage but boldly embracing a future where technology and tradition coexist for the common good.
