A community leader in the ancient town of Offa, Kwara state and the traditional title holder of Otun Ajiroba of Offa, Chief Jide Falokun, has described education as an instrument for social, political and economic development in the life of any nation.

Speaking during the 70th year anniversary of Offa Grammar School, Offa last weekend, Chief Falokun said the assertion was more so in the life of Offa and the environs where the oldest community secondary school was established through dedicated communal efforts of the people of Offa.

Chief Falokun, who is also the president of the Old Students’ Association of Offa Grammar School, Offa, said that it was the commitment to build a lasting legacy that brought all the indigenes of Offa together, irrespective of social, religious background.

He said it was the establishment of Offa Grammar School that eventually earned Offa town recognition and place of pride in the then Northern Region and the whole country at large.

The traditional chief said that the products of the school are more than 15,000 people, giving thanks to God, Offa people and the national leadership of Offa Descendants’ Union (ODU) for the feat achieved so far.

He also commended Old Students of the school for erecting new buildings and renovation of old ones, adding that the association and the Central Bank of Nigeria. Had provided infrastructures in the school.

Chief Falokun, who said the association planned to encourage sporting activities with provision of sports facilities towards reviving sports excellence which the school was  known for, solicited assistance of wealthy individuals and groups for the growth of the school.

Also speaking at the occasion, the guest speaker, who is a retired military administrator in the Old Oyo state, General David Jemibewon, an old student of the school, thanked the people of Offa for the foresight and benevolence.

In his own remark, the chairman of the school 70th anniversary planning committee, Chief Gregory Adeyemi, said Offa Grammar School, Offa has a reputation of academic excellence, which he said has impacted on the lives of many old students.