One of the questions every human wants to answer is how they want to be remembered and how they can they make impact that generation to come will be able to tell their stories on how they were able to achieve this. Walking through the ancient city of Ibadan in Nigeria brought a lot of questions and answers to me some years ago, the city was built by men and women who understood the significant of making use of their time on earth, the most intriguing part of it is the contribution and sacrifice of women in the past and present. It will interest you to know that Ibadan hosted the first housing cooperation that built the housing estate, Bodija Housing Wstate. The city also hosted the first TV Station in the whole of Africa 1959 as WNTV/WNBS and now NTA, Ibadan. Furthermore,Mapo Hall is a historic structure that was built in 1927. It was built to serve as colonial administrative headquarters. 

Adding to the above is The 60th foot Bowers tower; it is an historical landmark in Ibadan. The building was built in honour of the first British resident in Nigeria, Robert Lister Bower in 1936. He was appointed by the Queen of England to put an end to the war between the Yorubaland. 

The tower is located at Oke Are hills with 360 degree view of the landscape. 

Women such as Dr. (Mrs.) Hannah Idowu Awolowo, who moved to Ibadan in the 1930s to stay with her husband. She's a Nigeria women's rights activist, philanthropist and nationist. She contributed immensely to the development of the city through her work and advocacy for development. She died at the age of 99 years old just almost two months to her 100 years old.

Chief (Mrs.) Efunsetan Aniwura was a prominent woman in the 19th century, she was a powerful figure in the history of Yoruba land. Efunsetan was known for her business and wealth, which she acquired through agriculture and trade.

Chief ( Mrs) Aminat Abiodun was the 13th Iya loja of Ibadan she was regarded as the most powerful woman during her time. Aminat was noted for her influence withinin the Olubadan-Council. 

One of the amazing site in the city of Ibadan is University of Ibadan, this is one of the premier university and one of the oldest in the country. The University has produced a lot of out standing and incredible people to the world.

Men also contributed tremendous impacts on the development of the city, men such as Bola Ige, Chief Awolowo ,etc.

Bola Ige was a lawyer and a politician. He was born in 1930, He became known for his significant contribution to the legal and political landscape in the state and the country at large. Bola Ige was a core member of the Unity Party of Nigeria, which, as a result made him occupy different positions in the country. He served as the governor of Oyo State from 1979- 1983 during the Nigerian Second Republic. He also served as the minister of justice in 2000 until his assassination in December 2001.

Another great man that will remain in the hearts of people is Chief Obafemi Awolowo. He was know for his strong advocacy for the rule of law, social justice and democracy. His influence and impact continues to resonates in the history of the country. 

He was a visionary leader and a go getter who solemnly believed in the growth of the city and the country. Awolowo was a key figure in the struggle for Nigeria independence. Awolowo created beautiful edifices in the city of Ibadan and the country.

At the time of Nigeria independence, in 1960, Ibadan oyo state is classified as the largest city in West Africa, it is also ranked second fastest growing city on the African continent according TO NU Human settlements research programme (2022) .

Cocoa House, as it is popularly called, was the first skyscraper in West Africa and, at some point, the tallest building in Nigeria.

The building is not just one of the centres of attraction in the city but was located in Dugbe, a major commercial place in Ibadan, surrounded by banks such as the first bank directly opposite it and the central bank of Nigeria in the same direction. One of the interesting things about the building is that one of Nigeria's finest shopping malls, 'Shoprite," is directly behind it.

So, it will be good to have something to eat before attempting to use the stairs, or rather, the lift.

Cocoa House is managed by a subsidiary of O'Dua's group of companies in 2024, I still marvel at how the government was able to build such a befitting building years ago, and it's still as relevant as it was.

Cocoa House has become a suitable abode for various firms, organisations, and media houses.

Is the building always like this? No! History has it that the entire building was gutted by fire from malfunctioning electrical tools in the year 1985, and because of that, it was shot down until it was renovated again in 1992. 

One of the lessons we should learn from this is:

Someone thought about this, and it was done.

He supervised a lot of people to bring it to pass, although it's a building, it has become a legacy; Awolowo proposed it, but he's no longer with us, but the building still remains; let's talk about the architects and all the workers that laboured day and night to make it successful might also not be alive again but one thing still remains " the building '" A writer once said "the greatest legacy anyone can leave behind is to positively impact the lives of others. Whenever you add value to peoples lives, you are unknowing leaving footprints on the sand of time that live on, even after your demise".

Why are all these people important? They are because of what they chose to do, "They Made Impact," and their stories remain with us. 

One thing we should ask ourselves as we are in the present is: Who will tell your story? How do you want to be remembered? These men and women mentioned above, and the ones who contributed to the growth and development of this city, can be talked about because of their immense contribution towards the society.

Also, remember; your impact on your world today is the story about you tomorrow.

#WM2024