The upcoming event is poised to be a transformative milestone, not just for Yikodeen, but for Nigeria’s broader industrial aspirations. With the completion of this significant expansion, Yikodeen now boasts the largest safety footwear manufacturing plant in West Africa—a remarkable 120,000-square-foot facility that can produce an astounding 5,000 pairs of safety boots daily. This figure stands in stark contrast to the company’s humble beginnings in 2016 when it could only manage a mere 20 pairs per day. What stories might those early struggles tell us about tenacity and ambition?
- Advertisement -
Among the distinguished guests expected at this momentous ceremony are notable traditional rulers, including His Royal Majesty Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, CFR, the Ooni of Ife, and His Royal Majesty Ogiame Atuwatse III, CFR, the Olu of Warri. Their presence lends cultural gravitas to the event. Furthermore, Engr. Felix Omatsola Ogbe, the Executive Secretary of the Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB), will also be present to emphasize the Board’s unwavering commitment to developing indigenous capacity in key industrial sectors. Engr. Ajibola Akindele, MFR, Chairman of Yikodeen’s Board of Directors, will serve as Chief Host, welcoming guests alongside the leadership team of Yikodeen.
“This commissioning is more than a mere ribbon-cutting,” asserts Yikodeen’s Founder and CEO, Atunde Shamsideen Olayinka. “It symbolizes what is possible when visionary thinking, local talent, and long-term investment converge to serve the greater good of national development.” His words echo a sentiment shared by many who believe in the power of local initiatives. “We are not just opening a factory; we are unlocking new possibilities for industrial self-reliance in Nigeria and across Africa.” How often do we overlook the potential of local industries to drive economic growth?
The new facility is equipped with cutting-edge manufacturing and quality control technologies that set a global standard. From automated European production lines to precision-based quality assurance systems, the production processes cater to a diverse range of products including industrial safety boots, educational footwear, and the increasingly popular Yiko Plus athletic shoe line. Each boot produced not only represents a product but also embodies a commitment to excellence and safety.
The scale and efficiency of the new factory underline a purposeful strategy to diminish Nigeria’s reliance on imported safety footwear while simultaneously fostering local job creation. Since the initiation of this expansion phase, Yikodeen has brought on board over 180 skilled roles and anticipates hiring at least 20 more as operations reach full capacity. An injection of over ₦5 billion annually into the Nigerian economy is projected through direct employment, local procurement, and regional supply chain engagement. Isn’t it fascinating how something as seemingly simple as footwear manufacturing can stimulate economic growth?
This ambitious expansion was made possible through strategic investment from Aruwa Capital Management, one of Nigeria’s leading women-founded and women-focused private equity funds. While the specific financial terms were not disclosed, it is widely believed that the investment is significant and aimed at propelling Yikodeen’s digital transformation, factory upgrades, and market expansion initiatives. This capital infusion has not only enabled the company to enhance its local sourcing capabilities but has also set the stage for entry into pivotal regional markets.
Adesuwa Okunbo Rhodes, the Founder and Managing Partner of Aruwa Capital, remarked on the forthcoming commissioning: “Yikodeen’s trajectory serves as a model of what’s achievable in Nigerian manufacturing. Our investment supports not just a company but a mission, demonstrating that world-class products can be conceived, developed, and produced right here in Nigeria.” Her words resonate deeply, evoking the potential for local talent to create global standards.
The leadership at Yikodeen has voiced their commitment to social impact throughout their journey. As part of the commissioning festivities, attendees will view a short documentary chronicling the company’s evolution from a microenterprise in 2016 to a continental manufacturing leader by 2025. Additionally, there will be a segment dedicated to the company’s social investments, which include mentoring programs for aspiring manufacturers and ongoing support for SMEs seeking to navigate capital access. Isn’t it inspiring to witness a business that prioritizes community upliftment while pursuing its corporate goals?
Yikodeen’s operations have consistently aligned with Nigeria’s Local Content Development policy, making it the only safety footwear manufacturer certified by the NCDMB for supplying safety boots to the Nigerian oil and gas industry. This unique standing has enabled the company to secure major contracts, deepen its compliance infrastructure, and set a new standard for local content competitiveness.
Attendees will also have the opportunity to tour the factory’s modern production lines and experience the innovative product offerings firsthand. Interactive booths will showcase Yikodeen’s flagship collections, highlighting advancements in durability and ergonomic design. There will also be a live Q&A session led by the company’s executive team, diving deep into Yikodeen’s vision and its roadmap for the future. Could this be the kind of transparency that inspires trust in local industries?
Governor Sanwo-Olu is anticipated to deliver remarks on the significance of industrial development in Lagos State and the importance of nurturing homegrown enterprises. His engagement highlights the Lagos State government’s ongoing commitment to fostering local production and job creation as essential components of economic transformation.
The recommissioning of Yikodeen Factory 2.0 is more than a cause for celebration; it serves as a call to action for stakeholders, partners, and policymakers to envision Nigeria as a hub of industrial excellence. With plans to explore export opportunities into neighboring West and Central African countries, Yikodeen is well-equipped to meet the compliance and volume demands of both domestic and international markets.
The event will commence at 11:00 AM on June 24 and will last until 2:00 PM at the company’s headquarters on 8 Adekan Akinsanya Street, Isolo, Lagos. While attendance is strictly by invitation, interested parties may reach out via email at info@yikodeen.com. Each request will be carefully reviewed and confirmed, ensuring that the audience reflects the diverse community that supports Yikodeen’s journey.
The theme of the recommissioning, “The Walk That Matters”, serves as a poignant reminder that Nigeria can excel in production, innovation, and leadership—not just in theory but in practice. For the Yikodeen team, the opening of this facility is a resurgence of a national promise, stitched, laced, and manifested in every pair of boots they craft.
Edited By Ali Musa
Axadle Times international–Monitoring.
