Southwest Governors, DAWN Commission, Ex-Minister hail Awolowo, Akintola’s legacy at Cocoa House 60th anniversary

Southwest Governors, the Development Agenda for Western Nigeria (DAWN) Commission, former Minister of Trade and Investment, Chief (Mrs) Onikepo Akande and other prominent Nigerians have paid tributes to legacies of former Premier’s of Western Nigeria, Chief Obafemi Awolowo and Chief Samuel Ladoke Akintola at an event marking the 60th anniversary of the iconic Cocoa House, Ibadan.

At the event marking the significant milestone of Cocoa House in Ibadan, the leaders extolled the visionary contributions of Awolowo and Akintola, who played pivotal roles in shaping the region’s development.

The leaders, who praised the enduring impact of Awolowo and Akintola’s leadership, lauded their achievements, highlighting the Premiers’ instrumental roles in driving progress and growth in the region.

Speaking the event, DAWN Commission Chairman, Seye Oyeleye emphasised on continuity in government because development has no political coloration.

He said Cocoa House wouldn’t have been celebrated today if late Premier of Western Region, Chief Samuel Ladoke Akintola has abandoned the project which his predecessor, Chief Obafemi Awolowo started.

He urged people in Southwest region to move from unimaginable and unthinkable so that the region can move to the forefront of development.

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A two-term former Minister for Trade and Investment, Chief Mrs Onikepo Akande described Cocoa House as symbol of resilient, testament of hardworking, vision and dedication of the forefathers.

She stated that the iconic tower will continue to inspire and have positive impact on generations yet unborn.

The Group Chairman, Odu’a Investment Company Limited (OICL), Otunba Bimbo Ashiru, described Cocoa House as not just a building, but a living chapter born in the vision of the forefathers.

“We want to preserve it as history, hub for future morden culture, it is a backbone of the city skyline which will continue to inspire generation to come.”

The Group Managing Director of OICL, Abdulrahman Yinusa said the event was not just to marked time, but to honored an idea born by the sweet of the forefathers.

According to him, the iconic building and the first sky scraper in west Africa was built with cocoa money by late Chief Obafemi Awolowo in 1995 and commissioned by late Premier of Western Region, Chief Samuel Ladoke Akintola.

He said: “The building is more than a concrete nor glasses, it is a statement that Yorubas understand business and valued investment, this event is meant to celebrate the past, appreciate the present and envision the future.”