Alabukun

Alabukun is a popular indigenous Nigerian analgesic powder first produced in 1918 by Jacob Sogboyega Odulate in Abeokuta, Ogun State. It was created to relieve pain and headaches. It is considered the oldest pharmaceutical product in Africa and Nigeria and comes from the oldest surviving indigenous Nigerian-founded company. It is said to be the oldest indigenous founded company in sub-Saharan Africa. Alabukun became a staple household medicine across Nigeria and in parts of West Africa, like Benin, Togo and Ghana. Alabukun means "the blessed one" or "giver of grace" in Yoruba. It was sold in glass bottle form, before the modern plastic jars and sachet versions. The alabukun remains in powder form to he dissolved in water, as of old.

In addition to the flagship Alabukun Powder, Jacob Odulate developed several other products under the Alabukun brand. These included Alabukun Mentholine, a mentholated balm, and the Alabukun Almanac, an annual publication distributed across Nigeria that helped promote the brand and its remedies. Odulate's company also produced a range of other patent medicines and preparations. Over 100 years later, Alabukun is still sold in stores, pharmacies and open markets in Nigeria, West Africa and among the diaspora in Europe and North America.

References

  1. 1 2 "The untold 100-year old story of Nigeria's first homegrown modern drug". Quartz. 16 December 2018. Retrieved 28 March 2026.
  2. ↑ Ojigbo, Solomon (11 June 2018). "Chief Jacob Odulate: Alchemist of the Famous Alabukun Powder". Pharmanews. Retrieved 28 March 2026.
  3. ↑ Team, Toast Editorial (23 September 2025). "Alabukun: The Oldest Indigenous Nigerian Brand". Toast Creative Studios. Retrieved 28 March 2026.
  4. ↑ "Product Details: Alabukun Powder". greenbook.nafdac.gov.ng. Retrieved 28 March 2026.
  5. ↑ Newdawn (16 September 2019). "The story of Alabukun inventor". New Dawn Nigeria. Retrieved 28 March 2026.
  6. ↑ "Chief Jacob Sogboyega Odulate – DAWN Commission". Retrieved 28 March 2026.