University in Nigeria to Honour Ghana's John Mahama Today

A Nigerian university, the University of Offa in Kwara State, will today give its Exceptional Leadership Award to Ghanaian President John Mahama at its first convocation ceremony.

The award recognises Mr Mahama’s leadership and falls within the long history of ties between Nigeria and Ghana in various areas.

But Mr Mahama, who is set to visit Nigeria today, will be represented by his Chief of Staff, Julius Debrah, because he has other important state duties.

The university’s Vice-Chancellor, Kazeem Gbolagade, confirmed this arrangement, stating that Mr Debrah will accept the award on the president’s behalf.

Mr Mahama’s selection for this honour is notable because of his personal ties to Offa. He has often referred to Offa, an agrarian town in Kwara State, as his hometown in Nigeria.

His connection to Offa goes back to his childhood and his family’s links to Nigeria. This award not only recognises his leadership but also celebrates the strong bonds between Nigeria and Ghana.

Nigeria and Ghana have enjoyed strong economic, diplomatic, and cultural ties for over sixty years. This began after Ghana gained independence from British rule on 6 March 1957, followed by Nigeria’s independence on 1 October 1960.

Besides official diplomatic ties, both countries have deep connections in trade, education, migration, and more. Many citizens from both countries have lived, worked, and built families in each other’s lands for generations.

While it is hard to determine the exact number of Nigerians in Ghana and Ghanaians in Nigeria due to undocumented migration, estimates suggest between one and two million Nigerians live in Ghana. Around 500,000 Ghanaians are believed to live in Nigeria.

The free movement of people within the Economic Community of West African States has made it easier for these interactions. Still, tracking informal migration and trade remains a challenge.

Nigerian newspapers like The Guardian and Punch, along with Mr Mahama’s biography, highlight his long-standing connection to Offa.

Offa, located in Kwara State, is a key agricultural hub known for producing sweet potatoes, maize, yams, cassava, and sorghum. The town is famous for sweet potatoes and traditional wrestling known as Ijakadi.

Mr Mahama’s bond with Offa is rooted in his family history and early experiences. His father, a Ghanaian rice trader, married Rabiat Igbayilola Aweni Balogun, also called Hajia Nusirat Balogun, who comes from Offa.

Rabiat, Mr Mahama’s stepmother, played a significant role in his upbringing during his childhood.

Ghana faced major political challenges in the 1960s, including a military coup in 1966 that removed its first president, Kwame Nkrumah. During this time, Mr Mahama’s father lived in Nigeria.

Young Mahama spent long periods in Nigeria, especially in Offa. There, he formed a strong bond with the community and learned to speak Yoruba.

These experiences helped establish lasting personal and cultural ties that have followed him throughout his life and career.

The traditional leaders in Offa have also acknowledged his connection to the town. In October 2015, the Olofa of Offa, Oba Mufutau Gbadamosi Esuwoye II, gave him the title of Aare Atolase of Offa Kingdom, an honour linked to protecting the kingdom’s nobility and supporting its growth.

This recognition shows the value of his long-standing relationship with the community.

In December 2025, Mr Mahama received another significant honour when the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, gave him the pan-Yoruba title of Aare Atayeto Oodua of the Source at Ile-Ife, Osun State.

This title acknowledged his efforts toward African unity and celebrated the historical ties between Ghana and the Yoruba people.

This honour highlights Mr Mahama’s close relationship with Yoruba communities and the cultural connections between the two countries.

The University of Offa’s choice to honour Mr Mahama goes beyond just the award. It is a chance to celebrate a notable African leader whose personal history reflects the long-standing ties between Ghana and Nigeria.

For Offa, this event also emphasizes the town’s importance in the life of a sitting Ghanaian president who has kept a strong bond with the community over many years.

Though Mahama will be represented by his Chief of Staff at the university's first convocation, the Exceptional Leadership Award adds to the many honours he has received for his leadership and ties to Nigeria.

The ceremony is expected to celebrate the lasting relationship between Mr Mahama and Offa, where his family history, childhood experiences, and cultural ties have created a bond that goes beyond the usual connections between a foreign leader and a host community.