Yikodeen Celebrates Its 10th Anniversary

Ayodeji Ake

Yikodeen Company Limited, a leading indigenous producer of safety footwear, marked its 10th anniversary, celebrating a decade of growth, innovation, and influence in Nigeria’s industrial manufacturing sector.

The milestone was honored at the company’s Corporate Dinner and Awards Night in Lagos, where industry leaders, corporate executives, and stakeholders from manufacturing, oil and gas, construction, and other industrial sectors gathered to recognize Yikodeen’s achievements.

Founder and Chief Executive Officer Atunde Shamsideen Olayinka spoke at the event, reflecting on the company’s journey and its pledge to redefine local manufacturing standards.

“When we started, many people doubted that a Nigerian company could successfully manufacture industrial safety footwear that meets global standards. We faced challenges common to many manufacturers, including limited infrastructure, intense competition, and skepticism about locally made products. Despite these obstacles, we remained focused on our vision and committed to delivering quality products our customers could trust,” he said.

Olayinka said that Yikodeen’s success demonstrates the immense potential of Nigerian manufacturing when driven by innovation, resilience, and quality.

“Ten years later, we are proud to have proven that Nigerian manufacturing can compete at the highest level. This milestone belongs to our employees, customers, partners, and every stakeholder who believed in our vision from the beginning,” he added.

Beyond manufacturing, Yikodeen has contributed to employment generation and skills development. Women make up approximately 61 percent of the company’s workforce, and more than 200 individuals have benefited from its vocational training and capacity‑building programs aimed at strengthening local manufacturing expertise.

Today, the company produces 33 certified safety footwear models and operates a Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) testing laboratory certified by globally recognised organisations, including TÜV, Intertek, and SGS.

Chief Operating Officer Deji Maradesa credited the company’s sustained growth to a culture of innovation, continuous improvement, and strict adherence to international standards.

“We never set out merely to manufacture shoes. Our goal was to develop industrial safety solutions capable of competing with international brands in quality, durability, and performance. That commitment continues to drive our growth and position us as a trusted partner across critical industries,” Maradesa said.