Offa Local Government

Offa, located in Central Nigeria with coordinates 89N 443E, serves as the headquarters of Offa Local Government Area in Kwara State. It is also the traditional capital for the Ibolo-speaking people of Kwara and Osun States. Previously, Offa was the administrative center of the old Oyun Local Government Area until Offa Local Government Area was established on Wednesday, 27th August 1991, with its headquarters in Offa.

Spanning approximately 4,992 square kilometers, Offa Local Government encompasses a savanna vegetation landscape. The early settlers of Offa were predominantly farmers, with “ANOMO” (sweet potatoes) being one of the primary agricultural products that generated significant revenue for the town. Other crops cultivated by the Offa people include yam, maize, cassava, and guinea corn. Livestock such as cattle, goats, and sheep are also reared in the community. The dominant religions in Offa are Islam and Christianity. Wrestling is a traditional activity that has been associated with the town.

Offa is situated on the railway line from Lagos, the former capital of Nigeria. Previously, it served as the railway terminus before the line was extended northwards to Kano and Nguru. The Owode market in Offa acts as the major economic hub for the local government, generating daily revenue to supplement the federal allocation. The people of Offa are known for their entrepreneurial spirit and engage in significant business activities. Additionally, Offa Local Government Area is recognized for its strong emphasis on education. The town is home to various educational institutions, including The Federal Polytechnic, Offa, established in 1992, the Kwara State College of Health Technology, the Nigeria Navy School of Health Sciences, two private universities, a school of basic studies, and the National Teachers Institute. The area boasts over 53 public primary schools, more than 54 private nursery/primary schools, over 17 government grant-aided secondary schools, and over 10 private secondary schools.

Offa Local Government Area comprises 12 political wards, namely:

1. Balogun Ward
2. Essa ‘A’ Ward
3. Essa ‘B’ Ward
4. Essa ‘C’ Ward
5. Igbodun Ward
6. Ojomu Central ‘A’ Ward
7. Ojomu North West Ward
8. Ojomu Central ‘B’ Ward
9. Ojomu South East Ward
10. Shawo Central Ward
11. Shawo South East Ward
12. Shawo South West Ward

The major festivals celebrated in Offa include Eid el Kabir, Eid el Fitr, Christmas, New Year, as well as the Equngun, Moremi, and Ijakadi festivals.