Southwest govs, stakeholders laud Awolowo’s initiative in constructing 25-storey Cocoa House

Governors of the six states in the Southwest, the leadership of the Development Agenda for Western Nigeria (DAWN) Commission, former Minister of Trade and Investment, Chief (Mrs.) Onikepo Akande, and other prominent Nigerians have lauded the initiative of the Chief Obafemi Awolowo-led government of the Western Region for constructing Cocoa House—the first skyscraper in Africa.

The legacy, which has stood for 60 years, is not only a source of pride to the region but to the entire Black race, they said.

The stakeholders extolled the virtues of the sage, Chief Awolowo, during an event held on Tuesday in Ibadan to mark the 60th anniversary of the iconic 24-storey Cocoa House.

In his opening remarks, the Group Managing Director of Odu’a Investment Company Limited, Mr. Abdulrahman Yinusa, described the event as historic, noting the contribution of the founding fathers to the development of the region through proceeds from cocoa.

He said, “Today, we are not merely marking time; we are honouring an idea. An idea born in the hearts of our founding fathers, nurtured by the sweat of our farmers, and lifted skyward by the vision of leaders who dared to dream beyond their season. In 1965, under the golden leadership of Chief Obafemi Awolowo, and commissioned by Chief Samuel Ladoke Akintola, Cocoa House rose from the rich proceeds of cocoa to claim its place in history as the first skyscraper in West Africa, standing tall at 105 metres.

“From day one, it was more than concrete, steel, and glass. It was a statement—a declaration to the world that the Yoruba nation understood enterprise, valued excellence, and could transform agricultural wealth into enduring infrastructure.”

He added that over the past three weeks, various events have rekindled regional pride, including a symbolic balloon release on July 30, 2025—exactly 60 years since Cocoa House was commissioned.

Also in his address, the Chairman of Odu’a Investment Company Limited, Otunba Bimbo Ashiru, said that Cocoa House was not born of chance but of vision.

According to him, “In the early 1960s, at the height of Nigeria’s cocoa boom, the leaders of the Western Region dared to dream of a commercial tower that would stand as a symbol of prosperity and modernity.

“That dream became reality in 1965, when this 26-storey masterpiece opened its doors—then the tallest building in tropical Africa. Imagine the excitement of that time: a post-independence Nigeria, with cocoa farmers in the West watching as the proceeds of their labour were turned into this towering proof that Africa could design, finance, and build to world-class standards.”

Ashiru recalled the tragic fire incident of January 9, 1985, when Cocoa House was engulfed by flames, lives were lost, and the heart of Ibadan seemed wounded. “Today, as part of this celebration, we pause to honour those who perished that day. Let us remember them not only with sorrow but with the knowledge that their sacrifice is forever woven into the fabric of this building’s legacy. May their souls rest in perfect peace.”

He noted that the inferno could have ended Cocoa House’s story, but through resilience and determination, it was rebuilt, rehabilitated, and reopened for business.

“That restoration was more than construction work; it was an act of defiance—a statement that we will not be defined by our setbacks but by our comebacks. Since then, Odu’a Investment Company Limited has been the custodian of this legacy, preserving its historic value, keeping it functional for tenants and partners, and gradually modernizing it to meet new demands.

“This diamond jubilee is proof that the stewardship of many shareholders, boards, management, and staff has borne fruit. So today, I must say thank you: to our shareholders, the governments and people of the Southwest, who entrust us with this treasure. To our Boards, past and present, whose governance and foresight have kept the vision alive.”

In his goodwill message, the Chairman of the DAWN Commission, Mr. Seye Oyeleye, emphasized the need for continuity in government, stressing that development has no political coloration.

He stated that Cocoa House would not be celebrated today if the late Premier of the Western Region, Chief Samuel Ladoke Akintola, had abandoned the project initiated by his predecessor, Chief Obafemi Awolowo.

He urged the people of the Southwest to move beyond the unimaginable and unthinkable, so that the region can rise to the forefront of national development.

Also speaking at the event, two-term former Minister for Trade and Investment, Chief (Mrs.) Onikepo Akande, described Cocoa House as a symbol of resilience and a testament to the hard work, vision, and dedication of the forefathers.

She noted that the iconic tower will continue to inspire and positively impact generations yet unborn.