Yikodeen marks 10 years of growth and innovation as West Africa's largest safety footwear manufacturer

Yikodeen Company Limited, the largest safety footwear manufacturer in West Africa, marked its 10th anniversary on Thursday, June 11, 2026, with a Corporate Dinner and Awards Night at Four Points by Sheraton, Lagos.

The event brought together key stakeholders from Nigeria's manufacturing, oil and gas, and industrial sectors, including representatives from NNPC, NLNG, Saipem, First E&P, Marconi, Dangote Group (Sugar, Salt, Cement, Packaging), Coca-Cola, TGI, Vitafoam, Nigerian Breweries, and other corporate partners who have contributed to the company's decade-long journey.

Yikodeen marks 10 years of growth and innovation as West Africa's largest safety footwear manufacturer BI Africa

Speaking at the event, Founder of Yikodeen Company Limited, Mr. Atunde Shamsideen Olayinka, reflected on the company's humble beginnings and its determination to prove that Nigerian manufacturers could produce industrial safety footwear that meets global standards.

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"There were moments when the odds were against us. We faced skepticism, intense competition, and the realities of operating in a difficult manufacturing environment. But our customers gave us the opportunity to prove ourselves, and that support has been instrumental to our growth," he said.

Yikodeen marks 10 years of growth and innovation as West Africa's largest safety footwear manufacturer BI Africa

Olayinka revealed that Yikodeen has grown from serving only a handful of corporate clients to working with more than 50 organisations across key sectors of the Nigerian economy.

"We are proud of how far we have come, but we are even more excited about where we are going. Our goal for the next decade is clear: to continue building world-class safety solutions in Nigeria, expand aggressively across Africa, and demonstrate that local manufacturing can compete with the best in the world," he added.

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Also speaking at the event, Yikodeen's Chief Operating Officer, Deji Maradesa spoke about the company's deliberate investment in research, development, and manufacturing excellence, which has enabled it to compete with global brands while producing locally.

Yikodeen marks 10 years of growth and innovation as West Africa's largest safety footwear manufacturer BI Africa

"When we started, the perception was that quality safety footwear had to be imported. We challenged that thinking. Our goal was not just to manufacture shoes, but to manufacture products that could stand shoulder-to-shoulder with international brands in quality and performance," he said.

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According to him, the company's investment in research, development, and customer feedback helped transform Yikodeen from a small footwear producer into a trusted industrial safety solutions provider serving some of Nigeria's largest organisations.

Yikodeen marks 10 years of growth and innovation as West Africa's largest safety footwear manufacturer BI Africa

"We built this company by listening to customers, improving continuously, and refusing to compromise on quality," he added.

The Lagos State Commissioner for Commerce, Cooperatives, Trade and Investment, Mrs. Folashade Ambrose-Medebem, commended Yikodeen's contribution to local manufacturing and industrial development.

Yikodeen marks 10 years of growth and innovation as West Africa's largest safety footwear manufacturer BI Africa ADVERTISEMENT

"Ten years ago, Yikodeen chose to believe in Nigeria. It chose to invest in local production at a time when many would have taken the easier route. Today, that decision has become a success story that deserves celebration," she said.

Yikodeen marks 10 years of growth and innovation as West Africa's largest safety footwear manufacturer BI Africa

According to the Commissioner, the company has become a symbol of what is possible when businesses embrace local value creation and innovation.

"Yikodeen has become more than a footwear company. It is an industrial success story that has created jobs, strengthened supply chains, and inspired a new generation of entrepreneurs to see manufacturing as an opportunity rather than an obstacle," she added.

Yikodeen marks 10 years of growth and innovation as West Africa's largest safety footwear manufacturer BI Africa ADVERTISEMENT

The evening concluded with an Awards Presentation Ceremony recognising outstanding customers, partners, and stakeholders whose support has played a significant role in Yikodeen's success story.

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