How Nigeria's Food Industry Is Supporting The #EndSARS Protests
Written by Nsikak Tim
At the time of writing this article, #SarsMustEnd protests are ongoing across many states in Nigeria.
Monday marks almost one week of protests sparked by a viral video shared on Twitter on October 4. The video contained footage of what appeared to be the fatal shooting of a young man by SARS officers in Ughelli, Delta State.
Since then, thousands of Nigerians have taken to the streets with protests springing up in various locations in the country, from Lagos to Port Harcourt to Ogbomoso.
In a show of solidarity to the #EndSARS movement, many members of the food industry have volunteered their services towards feeding the protesters. For vendors like Quacktails, sales have been put on hold as the goal for the day is to ensure the people on the streets are hydrated.
From Kewa’s Kitchen’s jollof rice to Efontree’s signature pasta, there is an outpour of donations and contributions from vendors and restaurants, like La Taverna, Thai Thai and many others.
For instance, HSE Gourmet put out a statement earlier today, apologizing in advance to customers who might experience slow service at the restaurant due to their decision
“We are well aware of the situation in the country and we fully support the #EndSars movement. As a result, we have let our staff join the protest if they choose to because a safer state is more important to us”, the statement read.
In Abuja, Chef Stone’s establishment, Red Dish Chronicles has pledged to provide lunch to the demonstrators in the capital city through the designated food truck, Red Gourment Truck.
Speaking to Chef Nikki, who made the announcement on behalf of Red Dish Chronicles, she said,
“Red Dish Chronicles has always been, and will consistently remain a vocal supporter of Nigerian youths and their safety/wellbeing. Citizens shouldn’t have to live in fear of those who ought to protect them.”
However, this is not all what entrepreneurs and members of the food industry. The police have responded to the protests with brutal force and violence by using tactics like water cannons and tear gas and in some cases, bullets.
While food will not dodge bullets or water cannons, the effects of tear gas can be neutralized with water. As such, Chef Obubu along with Anike Sinleke and a few others across the country have teamed up to help supply baking soda solutions in cylinders.
Editor’s note: It is important to note that water is the best neutralizer for tear gas, and the required measurement for the baking soda solution should be three teaspoons of baking soda mixed with 8 ounces of water, as described by medical service providers who spoke to The Cut during the Black Lives Matter protests.
As more people come out to fight against police brutality, you can help support the protesters with food and drinks by donating via Flutterwave. You can also patronize the services of the vendors and restaurants who have joined the cause since they’re also battling the effects of COVID-19 at the same time.
Nsikak Tim is a freelance writer and a content marketing specialist with a love for food, fashion and feminism.