A fresh chapter may soon begin for one of Nigeria’s once-prominent manufacturing brands as the long-abandoned Okin Biscuits Factory in Ijagbo, Oyun Local Government Area of Kwara State, moves closer to resuming operations after years of inactivity.
The planned reopening has generated optimism among residents, former workers and business stakeholders who believe the development could restore economic activities, create employment opportunities and strengthen industrial growth in the state.
The factory’s revival is coming through renewed intervention efforts involving the Kwara State Government and private investors aimed at restoring operations at the biscuit manufacturing company, which has remained inactive for several years.
Okin Biscuits was established in 1980 by the late Chief Emmanuel Olatunji Adesoye, widely recognised as Northern Nigeria’s first qualified quantity surveyor and a respected industrialist whose investments helped position Ijagbo as a notable manufacturing destination.
At its peak, the company became one of Nigeria’s most recognised biscuit brands, supplying products to households across the country. However, years of operational setbacks, financial pressures and prolonged inactivity eventually led to the shutdown of the factory.
The closure significantly affected the local economy, with many workers losing their jobs while businesses connected to the factory also experienced economic decline.
Sources familiar with the development disclosed that rehabilitation work at the facility has reached an advanced stage, with installation of modern production equipment already underway ahead of the planned restart.
Once production resumes, the revived factory is expected to generate hundreds of direct and indirect employment opportunities, stimulate commercial activities in Ijagbo and surrounding communities and contribute to strengthening Kwara State’s industrial base.
Residents in Ijagbo, Offa, Ilorin and neighbouring communities have welcomed the development, expressing hope that the factory’s return will restore economic opportunities lost after its closure. Local business operators also anticipate increased commercial activities across the area.
The planned comeback is equally expected to encourage fresh investments in Nigeria’s manufacturing sector and support efforts to deepen local production and reduce dependence on imported consumer goods.
While commending the administration of Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq for supporting the revival process as part of broader economic development efforts, Editor-in-Chief of Entrust Media, Babatunde Raji, noted that reopening the factory marks an important milestone for industrial growth in Kwara State.
However, he observed that sustaining success after reopening would require strategic adaptation to current market realities.
According to him, Nigeria’s biscuit market has evolved significantly over the years, with both local and international manufacturers competing aggressively for consumers.
He stated that for Okin Biscuits to reclaim relevance, the company would need to combine modern production systems, competitive pricing, efficient distribution networks and consistent product quality.
Raji added that while the Okin brand still evokes strong memories for many Nigerians, long-term success would depend on the company’s ability to meet changing consumer demands and compete effectively in today’s fast-moving consumer goods market.
As anticipation builds ahead of the factory’s return, industry observers say the market will ultimately determine whether Okin Biscuits can successfully transform its rich legacy into a sustainable comeback.