By Mary Izuaka

 

After nearly two decades of silence, one of Nigeria’s most nostalgic biscuit brands is stirring back to life.

Okin Biscuits announced that it has successfully run its first trial production in 17 years at its rehabilitated factory in Offa, Kwara State, marking what the company called “a significant milestone” in its comeback journey.

In a statement posted on its official Facebook page on Wednesday, the company said biscuits rolled off one of its restored lines for the first time since operations were halted.

“After 17 years… the line runs again. 25/08/2026 Yesterday marked a significant milestone in the journey to bring Okin Biscuits back,” the company wrote.

Founded in 1980 by Emmanuel Adesoye, a prominent businessman and educationist from Offa, Okin Biscuits became a household name in the 1980s and 1990s for its butter and milk biscuits produced in Offa and Ijagbo. 

Operations ceased in the late 2000s following infrastructure challenges. Mr Adesoye, who was also the founder of Adesoye College in Offa, was recognised by the Kwara State Government in 2022 for his contributions to the state’s development.

At a state honours ceremony held in Ilorin on 23 December 2022, Mr Adesoye was listed among recipients of the Lifetime Achievement and Posthumous Awards presented by the state government.

The revival aligns with broader efforts by Nigerian manufacturers to bring back legacy food brands amid growing demand for locally made goods.

According to Okin, the Offa plant had been out of operation for 17 years after vandals stripped it of critical equipment.

“We had to rebuild the line after having all cables, frequency drives, contactors, motors and other electronic components stolen,” the statement read.

The 25 August run was described as a technical trial, not a product test.

The company said the goal was to confirm that the machinery could function again, not to perfect taste or appearance yet.

ALSO READ: Tinubu restates resolve to protect local, foreign investments in Nigeria

“At this stage, we were not concerned about colour, appearance or achieving the final Okin recipe. The objective was simple: Can we bring this line, silent for 17 years, back to life? And we did!”

Another development recorded at the factory was its reconnection to the national electricity grid.

The company said the Ibadan Electricity Distribution Company (IBEDC) had officially connected the factory to a 33kV Band A electricity supply.

“And there was another major milestone: Ibadan Electricity Distribution Company (IBEDC) officially connected the factory to a 33Kva Band A electricity grid today,” the company said.

The company said there is still “more testing.

“More testing. More calibration. More rehabilitation. And, of course, getting that familiar Okin taste and quality exactly right before the biscuits return to the market.

“But today, we celebrate progress. The machines are turning. The ovens are firing. The biscuits are beginning to roll out again. One step at a time. Okin is coming back,” it said.