The Chairman of Odu’a Investment Company Limited (OICL), Otunba ‘Bimbo Ashiru, has assured investors of plans to make the iconic Cocoa House a hub for the future.
He spoke at an event in Ibadan to mark 60 years of West Africa’s first skyscraper.
The ceremony drew dignitaries, including representatives of South-West governors, business leaders, and descendants of Chief Obafemi Awolowo and Chief Ladoke Akintola.
Ashiru said the board would preserve Cocoa House while adding modern infrastructure, sustainable practices, and cutting-edge facilities.
He recalled the 1985 fire that nearly destroyed the edifice, calling its restoration “an act of defiance” that reflected the people’s resilience.
“Cocoa House at 60 is not just a building; it is a living story,” he declared. “It stands taller than ever, calling us to match its resilience with our own.”
In his welcome address, OICL Managing Director, Abdulrahman Yinusa, described the building as a statement of Yoruba enterprise.
“Cocoa House is our oríkì in stone and glass, telling the world of a people who planted cocoa and harvested skyscrapers,” he said.
Yinusa highlighted recent upgrades such as a modernised reception, improved parking, and enhanced surroundings.
The event also featured a documentary premiere, goodwill messages from South-West leaders, and a panel on the evolution of high-rise buildings in Nigeria.
