Offa is known not only for its war exploits but also for
meeting the physical and social demands of its citizens. The development aspect
was brought to focus by the founding of a Descendants Union (ODU) in 1935.
Since then, ODU has responded to the demands for development by spearheading
the establishment of various facilities, notable amongst which were the
following: Offa Grammar School in 1943 (the first Community Secondary School in
Northern Nigeria); Community Girls School in 1955. Offa Genera Hospital
Maternity Centre, demarcation of Township roads and the Owode Market. by Offa
District Council under the Chairmanship of the first ODU Administrative
Secretary.
The insatiable quest for education for its citizenry, led to
the establishment of the first Primary School, St. Mark's School, by the
Anglican Church, in 1909 and Offa Grammar School by the ODU in 1943. The
endless demand for by the citizens led to the rapid increase in the number of
both Primary and Secondary schools established by stakeholders like ODU, religious
groups and individuals, so much so that at present, it is demanding task know
the present number Nursery/Primary and Secondary Schools at Offa. This aspect
of development culminated in the siting of a Tertiary Institution Offa, the
Federal Polytechnic, Offa, by the Federal Government
In 1992. It is also on record that a private Owned College of
Education is also on the ground as well as a private University proposed for
establishment.
in terms of Commerce, the founding of Owode Market by the ODU
has opened Offa to a high-Class level of Commerce. Presently, the market is so popular
that it is patronized by people from neighboring States apart from other parts
of Kwara State. Such States include Kogi, Oyo, Osun, Ekiti, Lagos, Ondo and
Niger States
It is not only education and commerce that have attracted the
attention of Offa people. Those who graduate from schools and colleges would eventually
work If work is not provided in the vicinity, they will migrate to more urban
Centers. In this regard, we must praise the effort of pioneer industrialists
Foremost among this group is Chief Emmanuel Adesoye, who, with the
establishment of Okin Group of Companies, brought industrialization on a large
scale to Offa. He is not alone, attempts were made by others including the
owners of Amukhude Technical Services, Olalomi Carpets Industries and a few
others.
