Butcher Fisherman Canteen Launches In Ojo Cantonment

Butcher Fisherman Canteen Launches In Ojo Cantonment 

…Calls on Nigerians to shun unhealthy foods

It was a time of relish for some military men when the Butcher Fisherman Canteen in collaboration with Nigerian Army Special Retrofitting and Repairs Workshop (NASRRW) Ojo Military Cantonment, officially launched operation in Ojo barracks, Lagos.

At the opening ceremony held last Monday, Mr. Tunde Ojo, Proprietor Butcher Fisherman Company Limited who welcomed the guests in different Nigerian languages assured topnotch and pocket friendly service delivery.

Ojo, noted that the canteen which has been in operation at the Ikeja military cantonment with the mobile buka in Maryland and other areas, got invitation to extend to Ojo due to the quality services customers have enjoyed over the years.

In a chat with National Wire, he stressed the need for individuals to adopt healthy eating habits, while discarding the notion that eating right is cost implicating.

He, however, made known that the canteen in Ojo will provide the base to run the mobile buka mainly at the commercial centres within the Ojo barracks environ-Trade fair Centre, Alaba International market etc.

On how the journey started, the mobile buka concept and its sustainability, he shared, “Cooking is traditional to us, my mother served food, my grandmother served food, and my aunties run eateries. I have been in the business in the past 15 years; it is something that is part of us.

“We have been running the canteen in different states across the country. We operated as a fast food venture on campuses in the 80s though with modified names at different times. We are using this place to serve as an outlet for our mobile canteen at Alaba International market, Trade fair market and the environs.

“The concept of the mobile canteen (buka) which is about six months is a new concept to serve food in Lagos, though we have been running canteen for years all over the country. The concept of the mobile buka, means that you can buy food on motion. The mobile buka  is supposed to be at different bus tops in Lagos and highly dense areas with food provided at affordable price. We trust God and our efforts that in due course things will pick up.”

On the rationale behind mobile canteen, he explained, “We are all mobile in Lagos, you will realise that quick food, snacks is not the best for our health, so to provide a real meal for individuals we came up with the concept to serve fresh and real meals every day.”

In his advice on healthy living, the proprietor stated, “People should eat well. This is my personal opinion- if I need to take ginger I cook it in my food, there are plenty of ginger in our land.  If I want cod liver oil there are lots of fishes rich in it that I can take.

“Let us take advantages of fruits in the season they come abundant.  I will also advise that we take more fresh vegetables. If we want to be healthy let us go back to nature and take lots of fresh food which we have in abundance in our country. For us everything we use to prepare our meals are gotten fresh.

“It is not true that it is expensive to eat well, that is not true. You will be surprised that with N150 you can eat a good meal with us. With a phone call the company will deliver food at one’s doorstep, even if it’s a plate.”

Addressing the peculiarities of the economy, he asked that Nigerians be positive in working and praying for the nation.

“Let us pray and work for peace and stability of the economy. From the different communities, let individuals make positive contributions, let us be hardworking, understanding and tolerant,” Ojo added.

In their comments, special guest of honour, Brigadier General Efe Edafioghor, Chief of Staff, headquarters, Nigerian Army Electrical and Mechanical Engineers; and Colonel Alabi, Commander  Nigerian Army Special Retrofitting and Repairs Workshop (NASRRW) charged Ojo and his team to abide by the rules and security measures of the cantonment.

Edafioghor and Alabi  represented by Major Sunday Almond, second in command, Nigerian Army Special Retrofitting and Repairs Workshop (NASRRW), Ojo Cantonment, tasked the canteen proprietor and his team to ensure hygiene.

“Mr. Ojo should maintain a high standard of hygiene, ensure that the food to be sold are well prepared and sold at affordable rate. He should ensure that the environment is kept clean with flies kept at bay. He is also to abide by the rules and security measures of the cantonment and not to operate in isolation,” they said.

Story by Chinyere Abiaziem