August 15, 2025
By Ayinde Adeleke
Speaking exclusively with IbadanCity Announcer during a milestone event organised by the Development Agenda for Western Nigeria (DAWN) Commission in partnership with Odu’a Investment Company Limited, the Director-General of the Development Agenda for Western Nigeria (DAWN) Commission, Dr. Seye Oyeleye, connected the historic building’s legacy to the commission’s mission of fostering a democratic and self-sustaining Western Nigeria.
He explained that Cocoa House, completed in 1965, stands as a testament to the power of regional cooperation, having been built through the collective effort of the old Western Region. For the past 12 years, DAWN Commission has prioritised fostering cooperation among the six contiguous Southwestern states — Lagos, Òyó, Ondo, Ọṣun, Ogun, and Èkìtì — to accelerate development without engaging in partisan politics.
The DG highlighted some of the commission’s notable achievements, including the establishment of the Western Nigeria Security Network, widely known as Amotekun, which originated from DAWN’s initiatives. He emphasised that the commission’s approach mirrors the regional unity that made Cocoa House possible six decades ago.
Addressing how DAWN ensures that major projects benefit all states in the region, Oyeleye pointed to the Lagos–Calabar Coastal Road as a transformative infrastructure project. He described it as the first major trunk A road since independence to connect nine southern states, noting that it would improve accessibility for inland states like Èkìtì, Ondo, and Ọṣun, enabling them to attract industries by offering competitive land prices while maintaining proximity to Lagos markets. The commission is also planning a spur road from Èkìtì to connect with the coastal road, further enhancing regional integration.
Oyeleye identified resource management as another critical area for regional growth. He noted that the Southwest is rich in both human and mineral resources, with Òyó State possessing one of the longest lithium belts, Igbeti holding substantial marble deposits, and Ilesha rich in gold. He added that cocoa production has been revitalised in recent years, contributing significantly to Nigeria’s non-oil export earnings. He stressed the need to ensure that these revenues directly benefit the farmers and are utilised judiciously for regional development.
Looking to the future, the DAWN DG projected that if a “Cocoa House of the 21st century” were to be built, it would most likely emerge from the technology sector. He underscored the opportunities in information technology, artificial intelligence, and the ongoing fourth industrial revolution, noting that the region must position itself strategically to harness these opportunities for lasting economic impact.
Cocoa House, located in the heart of Ibadan, remains a towering symbol of Yorùbá heritage, visionary leadership, and the transformative potential of shared resources. Its 60th anniversary, celebrated with the theme “Transforming Today’s Resources into Tomorrow’s Legacy,” has reignited conversations about the future of regional cooperation and sustainable development in Southwestern Nigeria.
