The grand finale of the 60th anniversary of the historic Cocoa House, Africa’s first skyscraper, took place today in Ibadan, drawing together notable dignitaries, business leaders, and government officials from across the Southwest.
Among the distinguished personalities in attendance were Mrs. Bimbola Saliu, Secretary to the Lagos State Government; Professor Olanike Adeyemo, Secretary to the Oyo State Government; Dr. Taiwo Fasoranti, Secretary to the Ondo State Government; Prince Adeleke Adefolaju, Secretary to the Ekiti State Government; and Mr. Olusoji Wojuade, Secretary to the Osun State Government.
Also present were Olori Dr. Mrs. Nike Akande, former Minister of Industry; Mr. Hakeem Ogunniran, CEO of Eximia Realty Co. Ltd; Hon. Abdulmajeed Mogbonjubola Olawale, principal partner of Cadarch Limited (represented by Engr. Rafiu Amao); as well as Mr. Moruf Oseni, Managing Director of Wema Bank, among other stakeholders.
In his welcome address, the Group Managing Director of Odua Investment Company Limited (OICL), Mr. Abdulrahman Yinusa, described Cocoa House as a legacy of vision and enterprise.
“It is with great joy and a deep sense of history that I welcome you to this hallowed Cocoa House for the grand finale of its 60th anniversary celebration,” Yinusa said. “From day one, this building was more than just concrete, steel, or glass. It is a statement and a declaration to the world that the Yoruba nation understood enterprise and valued excellence. It stands today as proof of the foresight of our founding fathers and the strength of our farmers.”
OICL Chairman, Otunba Bimbo Ashiru, in his address, emphasized the need to reconnect with the original vision behind Cocoa House.
“This building was constructed with £1.2 million equivalent to about ₦2.5 billion then, from the proceeds of cocoa trade,” Ashiru said. “Cocoa House began as the ambition of the Western Nigeria Marketing Board to create a landmark vision of prosperity. The grandson of Chief Akintola challenged us this morning that when the next 20 to 50 years come, we should not only be celebrating Cocoa House in Ibadan but also have Rubber House in Lagos, Cassava House in Ekiti, and Timber House in Ogun.”
He lamented Nigeria’s decline in cocoa exports, once the second largest in the world, and urged stakeholders to revive the sector as a legacy to future generations.
The event also featured a panel session with three prominent figures — Mr. Hakeem Ogunniran, Hon. Abdulmajeed Mogbonjubola (represented by Engr. Rafiu Amao), and Mr. Moruf Oseni, who discussed the evolution of high-rise buildings in Nigeria and their implications for development.
Delivering her goodwill message, former Minister of Industry, Dr. Mrs. Nike Akande, hailed Cocoa House as a timeless icon.
“This is six decades of standing tall, contributing to the community, and being part of history,” Akande said. “Cocoa House, completed in 1965, remains a symbol of economic and agricultural prosperity and the foresight of old Western Nigeria. For 60 years, it has stood as a beacon of resilience. This anniversary is not just about the building; it is about the people, the legacy, and the collective journey it represents.”
The 60th anniversary celebrations highlighted Cocoa House not only as a monument of the past but also as a challenge to leaders and citizens to create new symbols of enterprise across Nigeria.
