Speeches

Opening Of The First Kentucky Fried Chicken Outlet In Nigeria

Dec 14, 2009 - I am aware that usually when the year is going to an end like this, most people would like to begin a new project at the beginning of a new year that is just around the corner. But when a company decides to commission a new and a unique eatery in December, then you must know that there is something special about that place. I now realize that it also makes a good economic sense to open an eatery during a festive season.

I am therefore delighted to join the Board and Management of Chellarams Plc on this special occasion of the commissioning of your first Kentucky Fried Chicken Outlet in Nigeria. I thank His Excellency, Otunba Niyi Adebayo, for his role and efforts in ensuring that this event is a success.

Distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen, the decision to begin this journey on a familiar road is a product of purposeful planning, proper preparation and courage at a time like this. Eateries are a common feature in Lagos. They dot every corner of the streets in the state. The arrival of Kentucky Fried Chicken will therefore make it the merrier. But there is something that is also very unique about Kentucky Fried Chicken, it is this – It has history, it has skill, it has reputation.

I am impressed with this history of this outfit. It takes good vision, sound planning and resourceful management to grow and profit in a business as Kentucky Fried Chicken has done since it started in 1930 during the great depression. It shows that the seed that was planted during that first great economic crisis was indeed the acorn that has grown into the proverbial oak today. I say this because I understand that Kentucky Fried Chicken is present in virtually all countries of the world and it is just coming to Africa with this franchise outlet in Lagos State as the entry point into our country.

I welcome you to Lagos State. Your choice of our State as the first entry point into our country is a sign of the confidence you have in our economic policies and programmes. You have indeed shown that you have a stake in the State. You have shown that you have confidence in our commitment to develop Lagos into a global Mega-city. Your plan to open another three outlets by the end of January 2010 and another eleven by the end of the year is one of the remarkable investment statements I have heard lately. Your decision, like many others have continued to remind us that our development plans are the right ones. We have embarked on infrastructure renewal and the provision of security of life and property to enhance business-friendly environment because we recognize the importance of commerce to the continued development of the State. We have enjoyed a wonderful relationship with the private sector in all these areas. This mutual cooperation between the public and private sector has been one of the backbones of the success of our administration. Jobs are being created, quality of life enhanced and our State is becoming a destination of first choice for business and pleasure.

Let me say, before I conclude, that we are determined to do more to attract investors. We wish to build a State that will make the residents very proud and become the reference point for good governance. With the continued support of all of us, we shall continue to do our best.

On this note, I wish to congratulate and commend the Board and Management of Chellarams Plc, for taking this wise decision to open your first outlet in Lagos State. Your brand name and the vision behind the success of this organization have preceded you and you will certainly reap the reward for the decision to open your franchise outlets in the State.

Let me also thank you for choosing a location very close to my residence. I assure you that I will operate a good neighbour policy and patronize you often.

It is now my pleasure to open this first in the series of outlets of Kentucky Fried Chicken in Lagos State to the prosperity of the owners, the well-being of the people of Lagos State and the Glory of God.

I thank you for listening.

Mr. Babatunde Raji Fashola, SAN
Governor of Lagos State