Atiku Promises More Job Creation Strides, Opens Restaurant in Abuja

Chief Executive Officer in Abuja

As part of strategies to position himself ahead of the 2019 presidential election, former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has pledged to step up efforts in the area of job creation and promotion of local entrepreneurship in the country.

Speaking at the formal opening for business of his new business franchise, a fast food restaurant, ‘Chicken Cottage’ located at the Jabi Lake Mall in Abuja, the former Vice President said it is only by creating avenues for employment of the teaming youths that the country can successfully rid itself of societal ills like armed robbery, kidnapping, terrorism and human trafficking.

“You can be sure that having at least one chicken cottage in every state will help get Nigerians working again. We will provide gainful employment to thousands of Nigerians who would be earning living wages, which in turn contributes to reducing unemployment in Nigeria,” he said.

Atiku recalled with satisfaction that the processes leading to the successful opening of the restaurant started in 2014 with the incorporation of Food Merchants International Investments Ltd by his family.

According to him, the company owns the Nigerian franchise for the UK quick service restaurant brand Chicken Cottage but that the Malaysians bought over the brand and has been operating it with the UK owners.

“As part of our objectives, we aim to be the number one chicken restaurant chain in Nigeria. After this outlet, we intend to open several other outlets in strategically important locations in Nigeria.

“Our target is to have at least One Chicken Cottage Restaurant in every state in Nigeria. Ultimately, we intend to develop Chicken Cottage Nigeria as the regional hub for all operations in sub-Saharan Africa. Towards this end I have given approval to the management to commence talks with Chicken Cottage International.”

Speaking further on the direct benefits of this new business venture, Atiku said the main raw materials for the restaurant’s products are agricultural produce (Chicken, Vegetables, Potato, rice) which are all locally produced.

“My ultimate joy will be to patronise our local farmers and see them have their produce bought and used here in Nigeria and Africa; thereby empowering them. Furthermore, the multiplier benefits of this enterprise would extend to transporters, beverage suppliers, appliance manufacturers, artisans, furniture makers,” he said.