The Offa Kingdom of the Kwara State of Nigeria has conferred an honorary chieftaincy title on President John Dramani Mahama at a ceremony at the palace of the Olofa of Offa.
The title, AARE ATOLASE OF OFFA KINGDOM, according to HRM Oba Mufutau Gbadamosi Esuwoye II means, “HE John Mahama is the President of all others that are ensuring the nobility of this Kingdom is maintained.”
The Olofa also announced that the conferment is to show the appreciation of the people of Offa to President Mahama for making time to visit and spend some time with his people.
This is the President’s second such honorary conferment in a short time; after being named a chief in Kasoa.
“We are glad that in spite of the very tight schedule, Your Excellency has ensured that this visit to Offa became a must. We thank Your Excellency for making it and we are very proud of you.”
President Mahama who lived in Offa for about 18 months in the early 1980’s with his stepmother, Lucy Balogun, recounted memories of his stay.
He later laid a wreath on the tomb of his late step mother and spent time with the family.
Mr. Mahama was in Kwara State as guest of the University of Ilorin where he delivered the 40th Anniversary Lecture on the topic: Africa’s Agenda 2063: Ending Poverty and Ensuring Prosperity in Africa.
See Photos below, courtesy the Flagstaff House Communications Bureau…
