AN OPEN LETTER TO THE GOOD PEOPLE OF OFFA: A CALL TO ECONOMIC CONSCIOUSNESS AND COMMUNITY EMPOWERMENT


Dear Esteemed Sons and Daughters of Offa,

Assalamu Alaykum Warahmatullahi Wabarakatuhu,
Greetings in the spirit of unity and progress.

It has become necessary to speak out at this time, not in fear or suspicion, but in love for our land, our people, and our shared future. Across our beloved town of Offa, there is a quiet but steady shift in the economic and social landscape—one that calls for thoughtful reflection and urgent action.
A growing observation has been made in our markets and commercial centers: many family houses—once the pride and legacy of Offa descendants—are being sold or leased to non-indigenes, especially members of the Igbo community. These properties are often converted into thriving businesses. Meanwhile, in these very shops, our own daughters, young Offa women, are being employed as sales attendants.

While we commend the hardworking spirit of our Igbo brothers and sisters, whose entrepreneurial drive is admirable, we must also look inward. We must ask: Are we doing enough to protect our economic heritage? Are we empowering our children to be owners, not just workers? Are we selling away our future for short-term gain?

This letter is not written to sow division, but to awaken consciousness. A community that does not build its economy will eventually become a tenant on its own land. Our people must rise to the challenge of this generation—through investment, education, and unity.

Even beyond our borders, similar dynamics play out. There have been reports of Nigerians, particularly Igbos, building palatial structures and attempting to establish dominance in foreign lands such as South Africa and Ghana—actions which were met with deportations and conflict due to cultural misunderstandings. These cases, whether fully verified or not, offer us a powerful lesson: every community must protect its identity and dignity.

Therefore, we call on all sons and daughters of Offa, both at home and in the diaspora, to:

1. Preserve Ancestral Assets: Let us treat our family houses and lands as strategic assets, not items for quick disposal.

2. Invest in Ourselves: Support local businesses, empower our youth with skills, and promote entrepreneurship in our community.

3. Educate the Next Generation: Instill in our children the values of hard work, ownership, and cultural pride.

4. Foster Unity with Wisdom: While we welcome all who respect our values, let us never forget who we are and what we must protect.

The time to act is now. If we fail to take charge of our economy, others will do it for us. If we refuse to build together, we may one day find ourselves serving where we should have led.

Let this be a rallying call—not against anyone, but in favor of the greatness that lies within us as Offa indigenes.

May Allah (SWT) continue to bless Offa, guide our leaders, and strengthen our unity.

Yours sincerely,
Engr. Lawal Mufutau Kayode Aro/Deputy Chief Imam Fedpoffa.
Concerned Citizen and Proud Son of Offa
07062058152 /kayodelawalmufutau@gmail.com

Comments

  1. EMMANUEL BILEWUJuly 19, 2025 at 9:04 AM

    Your observation was very helpful and very informative, this was how things were happening in Lagos and you can see how people have reacted after 2023. elections.
    As you can see the present situation in Offa, and in other parts of Nigeria, the Igbo are very strong businessmen who courageously faced challenges which many people are afraid to confront.
    In other to encourage everyone, the market that Col. Bamigboye created while he was governor of KWARA State is lying waste and now that there appears to be mutual understanding created by the present Elerin of Erin-ile, I am imploring those who are in deep knowledge of the market rise to the ways that the market be revitalised and encourage the local governments concerned to work together and make the best decisions possible to make the market an international community market comprises all tribes of people who are business minded individuals and groups of people to build the best market.
    If we can achieve this, the fear of losing our heritage will be reduced and our children coming behind us will not lose their ancestral homes.
    God in His infinite mercy and powers will see us through and we shall keep our heritage alive forever,
    I salute you for your observations, God widen your knowledge to know what and how we will make it happen. Thanks

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