Kwara: Nurudeen Adeyemi, Sarah Alade, Other Dignitaries In Attendance As ODU Celebrates 90 Years Of Bold Evolution, ’Excellent’ Community Service
The Offa Descendants’ Union (ODU) on Saturday, December 27, 2025, had prominent sons and daughters of the ancient town and those who have Offa ancestry gathered at the ODU Hall ,Offa , Kwara State to celebrate 90 years of bold evolution, innovations and ‘excellent ‘ community service.
Founded on October 13, 1935, the union had since coming into being served as a central coordinating platform for ‘communal progress’.
The 90th anniversary that had as its theme ‘Unity, Service, and Progress’ featured programmes including cultural festivals, community outreach, and awards ceremony.
‘The initiation of the Offa General Hospital for healthcare delivery, the development of Owode Market, administrative advocacy, and the preservation of cultural institutions have firmly positioned ODU as a pivotal institution in Offa’s civic life’ Dr. Azeez-Salako Muideen Olaniyi, who is the Global President of ODU, submitted in his welcome speech which set the tone for the gathering.
‘These achievements reflect institutional continuity, organizational discipline, and the unwavering commitment of members who have consistently placed collective interest above personal convenience’ he added
The union, he noted, has also recorded clear, measurable, and impactful outcomes and he listed these to include the Empowering Youth in Agriculture initiative which was created and made to be a structured pathways for young people to participate meaningfully in organized agricultural production and value creation.
He also disclosed that a permanent solution is underway in respect of the perennial land dispute involving Offa and its neighbor, Erin-Ile.
‘In addition, ODU facilitated the establishment of key federal institutions in Offa, including the Nigerian Immigration Passport Office, the Federal Fire Service, and the Area Command Unit of the Federal Road Safety Corps, the National Open University of Nigeria, The Nigerian Mobile Police Command, the Federal Road Safety License Office while also providing a 500/33 KVA electricity transformer to support service delivery at the Offa General Hospital.
ODU further demonstrated its commitment to democratic engagement by convening a town hall meeting for chairmanship candidates during the 2024 Kwara State Local Government elections in Offa. This platform enabled residents to engage aspirants directly on governance priorities and public accountability. In the area of security, ODU intervened constructively in concerns arising from the operations of the Nigerian Railway Authority in Offa and facilitated engagements among local security and intelligence stakeholders, thereby enhancing coordination, information sharing, and collective response capacity.
To address persistent developmental challenges, the Union organized an Energy and Land Summit focused on resolving long-standing electricity supply and land-related issues affecting Offa and neighbouring communities. Notably, the Offa Descendants’ Union and the Erin-Ile Progressive Union have reached an advanced stage in efforts to achieve a permanent and sustainable resolution to the decades-long conflict between the two communities’ he said.
While acknowledging the authority of His Royal Majesty, Oba Mufutau Muhammad Gbadamosi Okikiola Esuwoye II, the Olofa of Offa; the Olofa-in-Council; the Council of Elders; and the Council of Honorary Chiefs, Dr Salako urged sons and daughters of Offa to make unity, discipline, and selfless service the guiding principles as the 10th decade journey begins.
At the event were the Olofa of Offa, Oba Mufutau Gbadamosi, Chairman of Offa local government, Hon. Suleiman Olatunji Omituntun, Governor Abdulrazaq’s Special Adviser on Political Matters, Hon. Femi Agbaje-Whyte and other dignitaries.
An illustrious daughter of Offa, Mrs. Sarah Omotunde Alade also graced the occasion.
An economist, Mrs. Sarah Alade, a former acting governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), also served as former president Muhammadu Buhari’s Special Adviser on Finance and Economy.
One of the prominent Nigerians who headlined the event, Engineer Nurudeen Adeyemi Balogun, in his speech noted that choosing the right leaders is a catalyst for rapid development of towns, local governments, states, federal constituencies, senatorial districts and others.
Engineer Nurudeen Adeyemi, who represents North Central on the Board of TETFUND, emphasized the need to attach importance to love, vision and good governance noting that doing this will enhance provision of dividends of democracy, growth and progress of towns, all levels of government, and parliamentary constituencies.
The aerospace engineer, who has Offa ancestry, also made a handsome donation in support of the objectives of the ODU at the event.
Engineer Nurudeen Adeyemi is a Kwara South APC senate aspirant.
The 90th anniversary celebration also featured maiden awards held to recognize outstanding contributions made by Offa indigenes in various fields.
Former Chairman of Offa local government, who was also a member of the state House of Assembly for eight years, Hon Hassan Oyeleke was honoured with ‘Political Award’ at the event-Team@orientactualmags.com Do you have any information you wish to share with us? Do you want us to cover your event or programme? Kindly send SMS to 08035023079, 08059100286, 09094171980. Thank you
