Cocoa House Diamond Anniversary Ignites Applause for Awolowo, Akintola’s Legacies
…Odu’a Investment Pledges Continuous Upgrade
THECONSCIENCE NG reports that late Yoruba political and socio-cultural leaders, Chief Obafemi Awolowo and Chief Samuel Ladoke Akintola, have been honoured for their visionary leadership and enduring contributions to South-West development as Cocoa House, Ibadan, marked its 60th anniversary on Tuesday.
Built in 1965 with proceeds from cocoa under Awolowo’s leadership and commissioned by Akintola, Cocoa House remains West Africa’s first skyscraper and a symbol of Yoruba enterprise.
At the diamond jubilee, dignitaries including former Minister of Trade and Investment, Chief (Mrs) Onikepo Akande, praised the legacies of both leaders.
Akande described the 26-storey tower as “a symbol of resilience and vision that will continue to inspire generations.”
Group Chairman of Odu’a Investment Company Limited (OICL), Otunba Bimbo Ashiru, recalled the January 9, 1985 inferno that nearly destroyed the edifice but noted its restoration as proof of collective resilience. “That restoration was more than construction work; it was an act of defiance, a statement that we will not be defined by setbacks but by comebacks,” he said.
He reaffirmed Odu’a’s commitment to preserving the building’s historic value while modernising it with sustainable infrastructure and facilities.
“We are committed to making Cocoa House not just a monument to the past, but a hub for the future—integrating modern infrastructure, sustainable practices, and cutting-edge facilities, while preserving its soul.”
OICL’s Group Managing Director, Abdulrahman Yinusa, described the anniversary as a celebration of foresight and enterprise. “Standing tall at 105 metres, Cocoa House is more than concrete and glass; it is proof that the Yoruba understand enterprise and value investment,” he stated.
The 60th anniversary featured a series of events, including a balloon release, guest lecture, commemorative health walk, charity outreach, youth engagement, free access to the Odu’a Museum and Hall of Fame, and a grand finale celebration.
