The once-popular Okin Biscuits has returned to production after 17 years, following the successful rehabilitation of one of its production lines at the company’s factory in Offa, Kwara State.
The company announced the development in a statement shared on its official Facebook page on Wednesday, describing Tuesday’s production run as a major step forward in its efforts to revive the iconic brand.
According to the company, the production line had remained inactive for 17 years after vandals reportedly stripped it of vital components, including cables, frequency drives, contactors, motors and other electronic equipment.
The company explained that the biscuits produced during Tuesday’s operation were part of a technical trial and should not yet be considered the final product. It said the focus at this stage was to determine whether the long-dormant production line could be successfully restored and brought back to operation.
“For the first time in 17 years, biscuits rolled off one of our rehabilitated production lines at the factory in Offa. We had to rebuild the line after having all cables, frequency drives, contactors, motors and other electronic components stolen.
“This was a technical trial run, not a product trial. 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,” the company stated.
The development coincided with another major milestone as the Ibadan Electricity Distribution Company connected the factory to a 33KVA Band A electricity supply on the same day.
The company described the electricity connection as an important part of the ongoing efforts to restore full operations at the factory and revive the Okin brand.
However, Nigerians may have to wait a little longer before seeing Okin Biscuits back on store shelves, as the company said several stages of work are still required. These include further testing, calibration and rehabilitation of the production plant.
“There is still work ahead. 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,” the statement added.
The company assured Nigerians that the beloved brand, which once enjoyed a strong presence in the Nigerian confectionery market, is gradually making its way back after years of silence.
