Olofa, stakeholders perform groundbreaking for Offa indigenes’ identity database initiative

Indigenes of the ancient town of Offa, in the Offa Local Government Area of Kwara State, in partnership with the Offa Local Government Council, on Thursday held the groundbreaking ceremony for an identity database initiative for Offa indigenes, tagged the “Omo Offa Ni Mi” project.

Speaking during the foundation-laying ceremony of the national headquarters of the project, the Olofa of Offa, Oba Mufutau Gbadamosi, said that the project aims to solidify Offa’s vision as Nigeria’s model digital city by 2030.

Represented by two high-ranking traditional chiefs, the Ojomu of Offa, High Chief Joseph Bayo Akinola, and the Esinkin of Offa, Chief Fatai Lawal—the monarch mentioned that he had endorsed the project late last year.

High Chief Akinola also reiterated the royal father’s commitment to transforming Offa into a digital city through strategic innovations like the identity initiative.

Also speaking, the national team lead of the initiative, Air Vice Marshal (AVM) Abdulfatai Olabisi (Rtd), described the project as a critical tool for enabling data-driven development and seamless governance.

He emphasized that the identity database will be integrated with the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC), providing unique identifiers for all Offa indigenes—both 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 define the future of governance, economy, and social inclusion in Offa,” AVM Olabisi said.

He also mentioned that the identity cards issued through the initiative would serve 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” and pledged legislative support to enhance its policy backing.

The chairman of the Offa Local Government Council, Alhaji Sulaiman Olatunji Laaro (Omituntun), represented by the Council Speaker, Rt. Hon. Sharafa Olawale Mustapha (Sharon), conveyed the local government’s support, describing the collaboration as “a catalyst for smart governance, digital transformation, and effective resource planning.”

The event, which 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), attracted an array of dignitaries, professionals, and community leaders.

Present at the event were Engr. Abdulfatai Kolawole Yusuf, President of the NSE Offa Branch; Engr. (Mrs.) Mujidat Simisola Bammeke-Oladipo, Financial Secretary of Offa Engineers; Mr. Oyediran Leye, Vice Chairman of ICAN Offa District; Hon. Abdulwaheed Gbenga Yusuf (JK), a member of the Kwara State House of Assembly representing Eesa/Shawo/Igboidun Constituency (represented by Alhaji Alli); Mr. Mudashiru Akeem Olatunji, Secretary of the Offa Descendants Union (Home Branch); Apostle Kolawole, a representative of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN); and Lawyers Lawal and Agbaje, both notable legal practitioners and community advocates.

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 the project’s headquarters now underway, Offa stands poised to become a national model for how grassroots technology adoption can reshape development narratives in local communities.”