Nigeria has many notable monuments in all the geopolitical zones in the country. Some of them are stadiums, commercial centers and parks, etc. One of them is the Cocoa House. It is a legacy that was left by late Chief Obafemi Awolowo, a Yoruba nationalist and the premier of the defunct Western Region of Nigeria from October 1, 1954, to October 1, 1960. The building was proposed by Awolowo to be built with allocations from the proceeds of agricultural products, particularly cocoa.
In the 1950s and 60s, cocoa production and export accounted for industrial growth and rapid socio-economic development of areas where it was produced. Revenue from cocoa then formed a major part of funds used to finance education, health services, infrastructure, telecommunication, and provision of basic amenities. So, Chief Awolowo proposed the building of an iconic structure that will be named after the revenue-generating source. The construction was contracted to Cappa and D’Alberto and it was commissioned in August 1965.
Cocoa House stands at 100meters+ tall, once the tallest Nigerian building.
The building was completed in 1965 at a height of about 105 meters. During that time, it was once the tallest building in the country. Also, Cocoa House was the first skyscraper in West Africa. It is located at Dugbe, a major commercial center in the Ibadan area of Oyo State. Initially, the name that was given to it was “Ilé Àwọn Àgbẹ̀” (Yoruba for “the House of Farmers”). The name was later changed to Cocoa House because it was built from revenue generated from the export of cocoa in the period. Some have also said that it was named that because a cocoa tree was planted in front of the building beside a water fountain.
This 26-story building belongs to the Odua Investment Company Limited. It is managed by Wemabod Estates Limited, a subsidiary of Odua Group of Companies. The building has 26 floors, about four elevators, a basement and a total land area of 1.7 hectares. The building became not only a source of joy for indigenes and residents of Ibadan but also a trigger for Ibadan’s growing popularity as of then. It is also one of the legacies which was established during the regime of the then Western Region government and which still stands strong today. Over the years, the look of the building has changed, though it still serves different purposes to different people.
Gutted by fire in 1985, renovated in 1992.
On January 9, 1985, 20 years after the commissioning of the building, Cocoa House was gutted by fire. It was allegedly caused by sparks from electricity wires. Occupants and workers in the building ran for dear life and scampered for safety. The fire burnt down everything in the building and left a skeleton-like structure for years after. This caused the indigenes and concerned citizens of the country much sorrow. The building lost its beauty and grace to the inferno.
However, in 1992, Cocoa House was renovated and opened for commercial use again. The structural integrity of the building and the quality of materials that were used in constructing it ensured that it stood strong despite the inferno. This is one of the reasons why Cocoa House will still be respected for a very long time, even after a century of its commission. A large shopping mall has now been built beside it. At the Cocoa House, you could see a movie at the Cocoa Mall, visit the Odua Museum or eat out at the Kokodome Restaurant.
Even after 50+ years, the building still stands strong.
Probably a contrasting situation that makes people appreciate Cocoa House more is the “Ikoyi Building Collapse.” The incident is one that leaves a lot to be desired about the construction sector as well as the real estate industry in the country. The building’s giving way to weak pillars and thin concrete slabs might be a testament to the construction of structures with inadequate or inferior building materials. However, after 57 years of existence, it is clear that Cocoa House was not only built with quality materials but also by experts in the construction industry.
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Awolowo suggested that the structure be constructed using allocations from the profits made from the sale of agricultural products, most notably cocoa, and this is a very commendable idea.
Cocoa production and export was a major contributor to rapid socioeconomic development in regions where it was produced throughout the 1950s and 1960s. This was due to cocoa’s role as a commodity that fueled industrial growth.
Later on, the building became known as Cocoa House to reflect the fact that the money used to construct it came from profits made from the sale of cocoa during that time period.
The money made from cocoa was a significant contributor to the finances that were used to finance schools and hospitals, which is a positive development.
It has also been suggested that it was given that name because a cocoa tree was planted in front of the building next to a water fountain; nevertheless, the primary explanation for the name has not been determined at this time.
Everything in the building was destroyed by the fire, and for years thereafter, only the bare bones remained. The natives and concerned inhabitants of the land were devastated. Fire destroyed the building and all of its aesthetic value.
The building is very old and it is still very much erect, this shows the durability of building materials then and that’s bad. I hope it is worked on
The cocoa house building is such a magnificent building. It is still standing after a lot of years. It really Emphasizes on the need to be credible and quality structures. In terms of production, they are still producing enormously and also using the cocoa as raw materials for other products.
Cocoa house has been a pride of the Yoruba and Nigeria at large and the building was built when leaders are ready to work,taking good care and manage the people resources in their care.
In spite of the raging fire, the building was able to maintain its stability because to the superior structural design as well as the high-grade components that were utilized in its construction.
In the Cocoa House, you have the option of going to a movie at the Cocoa Mall, checking out the Odua Museum, or having a meal at the Kokodome Restaurant.
The 26-story skyscraper features four elevators, a basement, and 1.7 hectares of land. The edifice brought joy to Ibadan’s natives and residents and boosted the city’s attractiveness.
The cocoa building is old and it is still gallant it show the quality use to build the house is good. This building is wonderful. The durability of the build is good. The building was named after where the source of the money for the construction came from which cocoa
This building is really exceptional been an old and strong one. I bet it was constructed in a unique way and materials. It can never be compared to nowadays buildings.
I believe the structural integrity of the building and the quality of materials that were used in constructing it still exist but it would cost a lot( expensive), apart from that such structural integrity is very rare nowadays!
The cocoa building is old and very good this is work of good material and serious made people. Am proud of it
The structural integrity of the building and the quality of materials that were used in constructing it ensured that it stood strong despite the inferno. This is one of the reasons why Cocoa House will still be respected for a very long time, even after a century of its commission. These Nigerian monuments are not getting enough recognitions. They should be beautified and appealing to tourists
In the 1950s and 60s, cocoa production and export accounted for industrial growth and rapid socio-economic development of areas where it was produced. Revenue from cocoa then formed a major part of funds used to finance education, health services, infrastructure, telecommunication, and provision of basic amenities. Gone are the good old days
The problem in this country is that those who should check the quality of materials on importation like the SON and during construction have collected bribe at the expense of human life.We are in trouble in this country. Until the government intervene we might still be experiencing same building collapse.
For 57 years Cocoa house is still standing after construction. What kinds of materials was used in constructing that building that can’t be use these days?There are numerous problems yet to be addressed in this country. What is the function of those who are to check the quality of materials used in building construction? Both states and federal government remain static about this issues on collapsing buildings. The bottom line is that some government officials are collecting bribe to alloy inferior materials for construction jeopardizing the lives of many.
Our own cocoa house is the first sky scrapper in West Africa at 26floors, despite the inferno it has witness its still standing tall,firm, beautiful because of the quality of materials used to build it.