Offa, Nigeria

Offa, Kwara State, is a city in central Nigeria with a population of 114,000 (as of 2005). The vegetation in Offa is savanna vegetation and the city is noted for its weaving and dyeing trade, using vegetable dyes made from locally grown indigo and other plants. Sweet potatoes is a liked diet in the city. Cattle, goats and sheep are also raised in the environs. 'Offa' is sometimes spelt as 'Ofa'. Like the rest of Nigeria Islam, Christianity and traditional religions are the key religions practised in the town.

The ancient tradition for which the town is known is wrestling. Offa's rich history is comprehensively documented in a book written by James Bukoye Olafimihan an educationist and clergyman titled 'Iwe Itan Offa', literally translated 'The Book of the History of Offa'.

Offa is on the railway line from Lagos, the former capital of Nigeria, and Offa served as the railway terminus before the line was extended north to Kano and Nguru.

Tertiary institutions in the town include the Federal Polytechnic Offa, the Kwara State College of Health Technology, the Nigeria Navy School of Health sciences as well as two private universities and a polytechnic whose construction are near completion.

There are prominent families in the city Offa and these includes the Oyawoye family, the Oyelekes, Ijaiya family, the Jatto family, the Giwas, the Olatinwo family, the Adewuyis, the Olafimihans, the Ijaodolas, the Olawoyin family, the Adekanyes,Adegboyes, Opalekes and the Okunlolas.

Offa was first settled around AD 1000 by Yoruba. The present king is the Olofa of Offa, Oba Mustafa Olawore Olanipekun II. The prominent knighted chiefs of Offa includes Esa, Ojomo, Sawo and Balogun. The praise name of Offa is "Ijakadi Loro Offa" yoruba phrase meaning "wrestling is our game". The city's mascot is the peacock bird because Offa is a beautiful place.

Offa grammar school is the first grammar school.

Offa has more recently become well known in Nigeria for being home to Adesoye College. Adesoye College is one of the most prominent private schools in Nigeria. The school's proprietor, Chief Adesoye is also the founder of Okin Biscuits. Both institutions have brought him and Offa fame throughout Nigeria.