Goldberg puts Yoruba heritage on Ibadan skyline

August 16, 2026 12:00 am

Vera Alkali

Goldberg Lager has unveiled a monumental talking drum installation atop the iconic Cocoa House in Ibadan, Oyo State, as part of its efforts to celebrate Yoruba heritage and cultural identity.

The unveiling, which took place recently, brought together cultural stakeholders, government representatives, entertainers, media personalities and consumers to celebrate the fusion of one of Yoruba culture’s most recognisable symbols with one of the region’s most historic landmarks.

Cocoa House, completed in 1965, is a 26-storey building that was financed from proceeds of the region’s cocoa trade. It was widely recognised as West Africa’s first skyscraper at the time of its completion and has remained a defining feature of the Ibadan skyline.

According to a statement shared with Sunday Scoop, as part of the installation, the drum “comes alive every hour with the rhythm of Omolúàbí”, followed by the chime of the hour, in a celebration of values associated with Yoruba culture, including character, respect, pride in one’s heritage and responsibility to society.

Speaking on the significance of the installation, Group Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Odu’a Investment Company Limited, Abdulrahman Yinusa, described it as a new chapter in the history of Cocoa House.

He said, “For over six decades, Cocoa House has been the most visible testament to the vision of our founding fathers; the progressive leaders of the Southwest who dared to build an indigenous economic empire. We have not merely added a structure to the roof; we have crowned Cocoa House with a talking drum of our civilisation as a Yoruba people. The talking drum does not merely make sound. It speaks. It speaks proverbs, conveys emotions, announces the presence of royalty and reminds us of our togetherness as a community.”

The installation is part of Goldberg’s “Our Beat. Our Gold.” platform, which celebrates Nigerian cultural expressions and shared experiences through music, food, film, fashion, festivals, football, weddings and other communal occasions.

Speaking at the unveiling, Marketing Director, Nigerian Breweries Plc, Sarah Agha, said the installation was intended to create a lasting symbol of cultural pride.

She said, “This is more than an installation; it is a celebration of our heritage, our cultural pride and the power of community. We believe it is a monument that will remain part of our shared legacy for many years to come.”

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