For over sixty years, Cocoa House has stood as a silent sentinel over Ibadan, a towering monument to the grit and vision of a generation that built an empire from the humble cocoa bean. On August 7, 2026, that silence was broken. Goldberg Lager unveiled a colossal talking drum atop the historic 26-storey skyscraper, fusing the pulse of Yoruba culture with the enduring legacy of West Africa’s first skyscraper.
The talking drum is far more than an instrument. In the hands of a skilled drummer, it becomes a voice—weaving proverbs, announcing royalty, and carrying news across villages. By placing this symbol of communication and celebration above Cocoa House, Goldberg has created a dialogue between past and present. The building, financed by the region’s agricultural wealth, and the drum, a vessel of cultural memory, now share the same skyline, telling a unified story of ambition and identity.
This installation is not a static monument. Every hour, the drum comes alive, beating the rhythm of Omolúàbí before chiming the hour. It is a deliberate homage to the values of character, respect, and communal responsibility that define Yoruba heritage and sit at the core of Goldberg’s identity. It is a daily reminder that culture is not a relic to be preserved in a museum, but a living, breathing force that shapes who we are.
Abdulrahman Yinusa, Group Managing Director and CEO of Odu’a Investment, captured the moment’s weight, describing it as a crowning achievement. He noted that Cocoa House has weathered storms and witnessed history, and now it carries a symbol of civilisation that speaks—not just with sound, but with meaning. It announces our presence, reminds us of our togetherness, and declares that our culture is alive, assertive, and proud.
Sarah Agha, Marketing Director of Nigerian Breweries Plc, echoed that sentiment, framing the installation as a tribute meant to outlast the event itself. She spoke of the pride in unveiling this drum on behalf of Goldberg and the people of the Southwest, calling it a celebration of heritage and community that will remain part of the shared legacy for years to come.
The unveiling drew a vibrant crowd, including Goldberg ambassadors Kunle Remi and Odunlade Adekola, Big Brother Naija winner Imisi, creators, cultural stakeholders, and government representatives. Guests traveled from Lagos to witness the moment, underscoring the installation’s significance beyond Ibadan’s borders.
This move is part of Goldberg’s “Our Beat. Our Gold.” platform, which celebrates the rhythms that unite Nigerians—from music and football to food and film. As Nigerian culture continues to capture global attention, the talking drum on Cocoa House serves as a bold statement that our roots remain strong, even as our influence spreads across continents.
From its perch above Ibadan, the talking drum has found a new place to speak. And its message is clear: the beat of our heritage will not fade. It will echo across the city, across the region, and into the future.
