By Francis Ajuonuma
Twin brothers Tobias and Titus Igwe have traced the growth of their Lagos-based food business, Speed Meals, from a modest startup to a 20-kitchen operation, and the seed funding and support received through the Tony Elumelu Entrepreneurship Programme (TEEP).
The brothers, who once worked as cleaners and house helps to survive, on Friday opened a new Speed Meals Quick Service Restaurant in Surulere, Lagos, as part of their expansion drive.
Recounting their journey at the opening, co-founder Tobias Igwe said hardship defined much of their early lives after the loss of their father.
“After church, we would greet people to get handouts,” Igwe recalled, describing the difficult circumstances that shaped their childhood.
The twins were raised as house helps and took on menial jobs while struggling to build a future. However, they managed to save N50,000, which they invested in acquiring baking and food preparation skills.
They began producing cakes and small chops, initially operating a mobile kitchen before formally registering Speed Meals in 2011.
Their search for funding continued until 2015, when they were selected for the Tony Elumelu Entrepreneurship Programme and received seed capital to expand the business.
Speed Meals has since grown to operate 20 kitchens across Lagos and has provided catering services for major organisations, including the United States Consulate.
The company has also diversified into skills development through a culinary school that has trained about 420 chefs, some of whom have gone on to work in major hospitality establishments in Nigeria and abroad.
“The TEF is a vital part of what we do,” Igwe said.
The newly elected Hub Lead of the Tony Elumelu Foundation Alumni Hub in Lagos, Obaji Akpet, said the Igwe twins’ growth reflected the impact of access to funding, mentorship and entrepreneurial networks.
Akpet, who led members of the alumni community to the opening, said the brothers had remained active within the TEF network and continued to create opportunities for others.
“Their journey demonstrates how entrepreneurial support can transform businesses and create wider economic opportunities,” he said.
A highlight of the event was the formal opening of the new Surulere outlet with a ribbon-cutting ceremony performed by Pascal Nzeribe.
The event also featured a community support initiative led by Akpet and supported by Nigerian singer Evelle, winner of the 2014 edition of Nigerian Idol.
Funds raised during the initiative were designated to provide free meals to residents of the host community.
The new Surulere restaurant represents the latest phase of Speed Meals’ expansion as the company seeks to bring its food services closer to consumers across Lagos.
