Another link was added to the Mr. Bigg’s chain as the Challenge, Ibadan outlet was officially opened on Thursday. At the well-attended ceremony, the Managing Executive of UAC Restaurants, Mrs. Joan Ihekwaba described the opening as a “landmark event” in the life of the Mr. Bigg’s brand.
“The birth of this iconic brand has opened up new possibilities and opportunities for the teeming population at Challenge and beyond to enjoy vast array of meals rooted in the rich heritage of the Mr. Bigg’s brand”, she said.
Mrs. Ihekwaba also assured that the food needs of the teeming population of the people of Challenge with its meals ranging from local delicacies like Amala, Gbegiri and Ewedu that appeal to indigenes of Ibadan city and popular continental dishes like Chinese and coconut variants that appeal to the general customer profile of the brand.
She went on to affirm that “Mr. Bigg’s restaurant in Challenge is built with the latest brand-build design, contemporary in all ramifications and adorned to suit the lifestyle and taste of the Mr. Bigg’s consumer target – youths and young adults”.
In his remarks, the Oyo State Commissioner for Information, Culture and Tourism, Toye Arulogun described the opening as “another giant stride”. Tracing the history of quick service restaurants in Nigeria, he noted that the first Mr. Bigg’s outlet was in Marina, Lagos. He disclosed that he has been a customer of the brand since then. He also lauded the UAC for the consistency of the brand, affirming that it is the “hallmark of a good brand”.
While appreciating the risk taken by the franchisee, Dr. Femi Babalola, Arulogun pointed out that “the security that the Oyo State Government has put in place is what enabled you to put this here”. He described the hospitality sector as the fastest growing sector in the state, with 347% increase between 2011 and now.
“That you employ people, Oyo State Government is happy. That you will pay taxes; that is what will make us happy more. There is a chain that you will be influencing. People will supply flour, chicken and other things. I congratulate and commend you and I believe this is the beginning of good things to come. Whatever support you need from government, be assured we will be there”, Arulogun told the franchisee.
Those in attendance included the Vice-Chancellor of Lead City University, Professor Aderemi Adeyemo, Mr Akin Aregbesola, Mr. Bola Sodipo, ACP Sybil Akinfenwa, Mr. Victor Ayetoro, Group Head, Corporate Affairs Oodua Group, Mr Kola Olakiitan of Mr Bigg’s and Mr. Olayinka Agboola, Publisher, Parrot Xtra Magazine as well as Commander Eniola, the state Commander of the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence.
Packaged by Wole Adejumo
