The #EndSARS protests have sparked a revolution across the country. One of the most talked-about aspects of the protests was the food. Different volunteers came together to ensure that the protestors were fed with a variety of meals, from dawn to dusk. 

We spoke with 5 chefs who were involved in the protests to understand why they got involved, the challenges they faced, and how the protests impacted their businesses following the impact of COVID-19.

The Lazy Chef

I just wanted to see my generation win. I didn’t mind what it would cost me. After the first day at the protest in Ikoyi, I just said to myself ‘hey boy, you have to do this, so I did it. 

The most challenging aspects were logistics and distributing as well. Touts usually loitered around and would eat up to 10 plates of food before the actual protesters could gain access to the food.

Funding was also a huge challenge. Imagine feeding a community of young people with absolutely no FUNDS”

Adebisi Martins of Beehive Afterparty

“I felt the need to keep the youths on the protest grounds energized. A hungry man won't have the strength to keep it going since it's for our collective goal of making the nation better. What I wanted to achieve was the satisfaction of being part of a movement that changed the country positively.

The major challenge was getting adequate funds to cater to a large number of people. It affected my personal business as orders weren't coming in and deliveries were stalled/delayed due to the traffic situation and roadblocks.

Virtually all my customers were on the protest grounds and too busy to order. Thankfully, this hasn't affected my business negatively, rather, it publicized my brand as a supporter of a just cause.”

Efontree

“In the beginning, many people shared their experience with SARS, and I could relate to most of them. To be able to do something, albeit little to give hope for a better Nigeria was an absolute honour.

Logistics were a major challenge; moving things from point A-B, finding contact persons across the nation to distribute meals also.

The protests helped me realize also that we are a hungry nation, and that hunger comes with a lack of education. With the help of four other front-liners we’ve come up with the initiative The Food Coven, and our aim is to feed Nigeria even after the protests have ended, and in the process educate citizens on their human and electoral rights.

Queen Chioma of Qcee Royal Kitchen 

“I helped supply food to the protests because I hope for a better Nigeria. The increase in the prices of foodstuff and delivery was challenging. The pandemic and the protests did affect (my business), orders canceled. I haven’t gotten a job since then, but we move!”

Timi’s Cooking Pot

“I joined the protests efforts because I wanted to help in as many ways I could, seeing as I couldn’t be there physically. As much as I wished I could make enough food for everyone, I couldn’t because funds were limited, even after receiving help from family and friends.

It has affected business as we have had to spend some resources which would have originally gone into other things to the protests but I believe it’s for a good cause, so I am happy about that.”

Featured image courtesy of Tobi Oshinnaike on Unsplash