Goldberg Lager has unveiled a giant talking drum atop Ibadan’s historic Cocoa House, celebrating Yoruba heritage, culture and the enduring legacy of the landmark
Goldberg Unveils Giant Talking Drum on Cocoa House in Ibadan
Goldberg Lager has unveiled a monumental talking drum installation atop Cocoa House, one of Ibadan’s most recognisable landmarks, in a major celebration of Yoruba culture, heritage and indigenous enterprise.
The installation was unveiled on August 7, 2026, bringing together the rich cultural symbolism of the talking drum and the historic significance of Cocoa House, which has stood as a symbol of the Southwest’s economic ambition for more than six decades.
Completed in 1965, the 26-storey Cocoa House was financed from proceeds of the region’s cocoa trade and was widely recognised as West Africa’s first skyscraper.
The unveiling attracted Goldberg ambassadors Kunle Remi and Odunlade Adekola, Big Brother Naija winner Imisi, creators, media personalities, cultural stakeholders, government representatives and consumers.
Speaking on the significance of the installation, Abdulrahman Yinusa, Group Managing Director/CEO of Odu’a Investment, described the talking drum as a new chapter in the story of the iconic building.
“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. This building has weathered many storms, witnessed history and remained the enduring face of our collective ambition.
“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.
“Every day and night going forward, it will remind us that our culture is not a memory. It is alive, it is assertive and it is proud.”
For Goldberg, the installation represents an opportunity to place one of the most distinctive symbols of Yoruba civilisation at the heart of a landmark that already embodies the region’s history and aspirations.
Speaking at the unveiling, Sarah Agha, Marketing Director of Nigerian Breweries Plc, said the project was conceived to celebrate Yoruba heritage while creating a lasting monument beyond the unveiling ceremony.
“We are very proud to unveil the talking drum on one of West Africa’s most iconic buildings on behalf of Goldberg, and to celebrate this moment with the people of the Southwest. 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.”
The talking drum, long associated with Yoruba communication, storytelling and celebration, now forms a striking addition to Cocoa House, extending the building’s symbolism from economic achievement to cultural expression.
According to Goldberg, the installation comes alive every hour with the rhythm of Omolúàbí, followed by the chime of the hour, creating a daily reminder of the values, traditions and character associated with Yoruba identity.
The brand said the installation also reflects the Omolúàbí values that form an important part of Goldberg’s identity, including character, respect, pride in one’s heritage and the responsibility to contribute meaningfully to society.
With the giant talking drum now towering over Cocoa House, Goldberg has fused one of Yoruba culture’s most enduring symbols with one of Ibadan’s most historic structures, creating a new landmark that celebrates both the past and the continuing relevance of the region’s cultural identity.
