Odu’a Investment Begins Iconic Cocoa House @ 60 Celebrations with Balloon Release
THECONSCIENCE NG reports that Odu’a Investment Company Limited (OICL) on Wednesday commenced the celebration of the iconic Cocoa House’s 60th anniversary with a spectacular commemorative balloon release in honour one of Nigeria’s most iconic architectural landmarks.
Balloons were releases from the rooftop, the frontage and the rear of the building.
Built from the proceeds of Cocoa trade, the historic Cocoa House stands as a lasting testament to the visionary legacy of Chief Obafemi Awolowo and the economic foresight of the region’s founding fathers.
The building was officially commissioned on July 30, 1965 by the then Premier of the Western Region, Chief Samuel Ladoke Akintola.
At 105 metres tall, the edifice remains West Africa’s first skyscraper and a proud symbol of regional enterprise, resilience, and innovation.
As part of the OICL’s commitment to preserving the historic integrity of the landmark, OICL undertook renovations last year to modernize the ground floor reception area, upgrade the parking lots, and enhance the general surroundings of the complex, creating a more welcoming and functional environment for tenants, tourists, and visitors.
The 60th anniversary celebration continues with a lineup of engaging activities, including:
Commemorative Health Walk – Friday, August 16
Youth Hangout with the GMD of OICL – Sunday, August 18
Grand Finale Celebration – Monday, August 19
Open House for Visitors and Tourists – August 18 to 22, featuring free access to the Odu’a Museum and Hall of Fame on the 23rd floor of Cocoa House (advance online bookings required).
Cocoa House remains one of Nigeria’s most recognizable buildings and a symbol of the economic transformation of the Western Region during the post-independence era.
The structure represents the vision of Chief Obafemi Awolowo’s administration, which prioritized infrastructure development and economic diversification through agricultural proceeds, particularly from cocoa exports.
