Residents of the historic town of Offa in Kwara State, in collaboration with the Offa Local Government Council, celebrated the groundbreaking ceremony for an innovative identity database initiative, named the “Omo Offa Ni Mi” project, on Thursday.

The event marked the foundation-laying of the project’s national headquarters, with the Olofa of Offa, Oba Mufutau Gbadamosi, outlining its ambition to position Offa as Nigeria’s premier digital model city by 2030. Represented by two senior traditional leaders—the Ojomu of Offa, High Chief Joseph Bayo Akinola, and the Esinkin of Offa, Chief Fatai Lawal—the monarch reaffirmed his endorsement of the initiative, originally granted in late 2024.

High Chief Akinola underscored the royal court’s dedication to modernising Offa through strategic technological advancements. “This identity database is a cornerstone of our vision to transform Offa into a beacon of digital innovation, fostering connectivity and progress for future generations,” he stated.

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.”