The people of Offa in Offa local government area of Kwara State known for their industry, scored another first on December 24, 2022 as a self- help N350 million hospital project was commissioned in the town of the ‘wrestlers’.
The hospital was built for the use of the people of the community by Offa Metropolitan Club(OMC).
The commissioning of the medical facility which drew applause from Kwara State governor, AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq; and the holding of the annual ‘Ijakadi’ ( wrestling) festival were the twin-event that hallmarked the Christmas and New Year’s festivities in Offa.
While the hospital was commissioned on December 24,2022 the ninth Ijakadi festival was held on December 29,2022.
Speaking at the commissioning of the health facility, Governor AbdulRazaq described the facility as a good template for all levels of government towards the development of health sector in Nigeria.
AbdulRazaq congratulated and commended the OMC and Offa community for the execution of the facility, which he said will complement the government’s efforts to promote improved access to quality healthcare in the state.
“There must be public private partnership in the health sector to move forward because it is extremely expensive. With this facility in place, people now have the option of coming to it or going to the government hospitals. By and large, this is a template and a work in progress. If it works well it can be replicated all over Nigeria, “ he said.
“I am proud to be identified with the historic success of Offa today. This is the same can-do spirit of Offa at its best. I therefore congratulate and commend Offa metropolitan club for constructing this fine edifice,” the governor said.
AbdulRazaq said it was capital intensive for the government to solely transform the health sector, calling for a robust public-private partnership to deepen efficient service delivery.
The governor also congratulated the Olofa of Offa, Oba Mufutau Gbadamosi Esuwoye II, on the completion of the facility.
In his remarks, the Olofa of Offa, Oba Mufutau Esuwoye ll, said the construction of the facility clearly manifests the love the people of Offa have for their fatherland.
He commended every member of the OMC for realising the dream, a gesture he called an uncommon sacrifice to the wellness of humanity.
The monarch also thanked the governor for identifying with Offa people and for considering the OMC worthy of getting the state Merit Award as partners in progress.
“This multimillion naira edifice of international standard will not only add value to the quality of our healthcare service to our people and neighboring communities, but it will also reduce to the barest minimum avoidable referral of emergency cases. I hereby commend everyone who has contributed in one way or the other towards the realization of the project,” he said.
Also speaking, the president of OMC, Dr. Serah Alade, said they conceived the idea of building the facility to further improve the people’s access to good healthcare services, and to complement the government’s efforts in changing the face of the sector.
She acknowledged the sacrifice of the OMC’s members for contributing their hard-earned money to better the lots of the Offa community.
At Ijakadi festival, the traditional ruler of Offs and his chiefs called on the federal and state governments to establish a virile institutional framework to rejuvenate the nation’s diverse cultural values.
Oba Mufutau Esuwoye II, and his chiefs said that cultural production is an important area for investment and a means of boosting cultural identity.
“More strategically, it aids the diversification of national and global economies. In most parts of the world, the cultural industry sector makes significant contributions to GDP. I believe that the many advantages derivable from cultural awareness, tapping and development should not be lost on government at both the state and the federal level”, he said.
Also speaking, the Asiwaju of Offa, Chief Tajudeen Owoyemi, said that the annual Ijakadi festival, is a depiction of everything that Offa means, adding that, “it is those unique aspects that we thought we must preserve for generations yet unborn. It is the essence of our yearly Ijakadi Festival”.
In his speech, president of the Offa Descendants Union (ODU), Alh Muideen Salako, appealed to the Kwara State government to
incorporate the annual ljakadi Festival as part of the state Ministry of Art, Culture and Tourism annual work plan and activities.
“If incorporated by the Kwara state government, it has a high potential
of boosting the economy of Offa LGA and the state at large. This will also ensure sustainability and continuity of the ljakadi festival.
“Furthermore, the venue of the grand finale of ljakadi has been Offa Stadium in the last few years
and unfortunately, the proud stadium has been in deplorable state. Your Excellency has shown
interest to upgrade the stadium and the entire Offa people, are looking forward to the actualization of this upgrade soonest.
“We are seizing this opportunity to thank His Excellency for all your good work, programmes and unmatched developmental projects and progress in the state. Offa people are greatly indebted to you for your consideration and love for our dear town Offa”.
Governor AbdulRazaq, who was represented by commissioner for Energy, Alh AbdulWahab rAgbaje, described Ijakadi festival as a celebration of culture and rich heritage of a unique community of valiant people, saying that his administration would continue to identify with and promote rich cultures in the state as a strategy to keep the legacies of forebears evergreen.
“Offa people are hard working, brave, and self-reliant. Offa people are self-driven. These are the great qualities that continue to define you and your place in not just Kwara State but Nigeria as a whole.
“Our administration identifies with the rich culture of our peoples — from the Durbar in Ilorin, Awon in Shao, Ganni in Batonu speaking areas of Kwara North, Regatta in Nupe speaking axis, and Ijakadi Festival here in Offa, among many others. These are rich traditions which speak to the histories and aspirations of our peoples,” he added.
