Debrah will travel directly to Ilorin, the state capital, before proceeding to Offa, where he will receive the Exceptional Leadership Award conferred on him by the university on behalf of President Mahama, who is unable to attend in person because of official state engagements.
The university’s Vice-Chancellor, Professor Kazeem Gbolagade, confirmed the arrangement, explaining that the Ghanaian leader’s demanding official schedule would prevent his physical presence at the ceremony.
Mahama’s association with Offa extends beyond the diplomatic relationship between Ghana and Nigeria, encompassing family connections and formative experiences that have shaped his longstanding attachment to the Yoruba town.
Ghana and Nigeria have maintained longstanding economic, diplomatic and cultural relations, dating back to the period before Ghana gained independence from British colonial rule on 6 March 1957. Nigeria subsequently became independent on 1 October 1960.
The relationship between the two West African countries is reflected in trade, cultural exchanges and the movement of people across their borders. Although precise figures are difficult to establish because of undocumented migration and informal economic activities, estimates suggest that between one million and two million Nigerians live in Ghana, while about 500,000 Ghanaians reside in Nigeria.
The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has facilitated regional mobility through protocols promoting the movement of people and economic activity among member states.
However, Mahama’s ties to Nigeria are particularly personal, with Offa occupying a special place in his family history. Previous reports by The Guardian and Punch, alongside accounts in the Ghanaian President’s biography, have highlighted his longstanding relationship with the community, which he has described as his hometown in Nigeria.
Mahama’s father, a Ghanaian rice merchant, lived in Nigeria, where he married Rabiat Igbayilola Aweni Balogun, also known as Hajia Nusirat Balogun, who belonged to the Balogun family of Offa.
Mahama’s stepmother reportedly played an important role in his upbringing. During the political upheavals that followed the overthrow of Ghana’s first president, Kwame Nkrumah, in a military coup in 1966, Mahama’s father went into exile in Nigeria.
The younger Mahama later joined his family in Nigeria and spent considerable time in Offa, where he learnt Yoruba, further strengthening his connection with the community.
Mahama’s relationship with Offa is also recognised by the town’s traditional institution. In October 2015, the Olofa of Offa, Oba Mufutau Gbadamosi Esuwoye II, conferred on him the title of Aare Atolase of Offa Kingdom, a traditional honour associated with the protection of the kingdom’s nobility and the promotion of its development.
In December 2025, the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, also conferred on Mahama the pan-Yoruba title of Aare Atayeto Oodua of the Source at Ile-Ife.
The honour recognised his contributions to African unity and the historical relationship between Ghana and the Yoruba people, further highlighting the cultural links connecting the Ghanaian leader to southwestern Nigeria.
Located in Kwara State, Offa is known for its agricultural activities, particularly the cultivation of sweet potatoes, maize, yams, cassava and sorghum. The town is widely associated with sweet potato production and is also noted for Ijakadi, a traditional form of wrestling rooted in Yoruba culture.
Against this background, the University of Offa’s decision to honour Mahama reflects both his public profile and his longstanding association with the community.
Although the Ghanaian President will not attend the ceremony personally, Debrah’s visit is expected to draw attention to the historical, familial and cultural connections between Mahama, Offa and the wider Yoruba community.
The award will add to the Ghanaian leader’s existing traditional honours and underscore the enduring people-to-people ties between Ghana and Nigeria.
