By Ayomide Otitoju
At Camp Junction in Abeokuta, Ogun State, Akeem Muraina stands out from the crowd, dressed in the manner of an office executive as he prepares for another day at his meat stand.
A Business Administration graduate, Muraina is a meat seller, popularly known as an ‘Ẹlẹ́ran’ in Nigeria’s South-West. However, he has introduced a distinctive style to the traditional trade by selling meat in a suit and tie.
Popularly known online as the “Korporate” meat seller, Muraina says his appearance is part of an effort to challenge stereotypes associated with the profession and promote professionalism in the business.
“You know, wearing a suit to sell meat has always been my dream because I see people wearing suits to offices everywhere. But no matter how small your office is, it is still your office,” he said.
Muraina said he wants to change the perception that meat sellers are often associated with untidy appearances and unruly behaviour.
“People see those who sell meat as thugs. They always dress dirty, fight. But I just want to change the narrative. Me, being a fashionista, I’m bringing it into my business. I want to combine the two,” he said.
He also encouraged people to pay greater attention to their appearance, stressing that dressing well should not be limited to particular professions.
“There is an adage that says, ‘Dress the way you want to be addressed.’ So, there is nobody who will see me like this, come to my stand and harass me, or talk to me anyhow. So, the only message I’m going to give to other people is: always look good,” Muraina said.
Despite his modern approach to the trade, Muraina’s interest in meat selling has deep family roots. He said he learnt the business from his father, whom he accompanied to the market from a young age.
“I’ve been following my dad right from when I was this small, to the market, to sell meat. So, since then, I’ve had an interest, not just ordinary interest, but a passion for selling meat,” he said.
Beyond his physical appearance, Muraina has also embraced social media to expand his customer base and promote his business.
He said platforms such as TikTok, Instagram and Facebook have helped him reach more customers and increase awareness of his work.
“Social media has already played a vital role in my business. Because anything you are doing, this is now a new age, let’s say computer age. Anything you are doing, you have to put it out there so that people can see,” he said.
“It has already played a vital role by giving me more customers. I see many customers from TikTok, Instagram, Facebook,” he added.
Through his suit-and-tie appearance, Muraina is giving a new meaning to the idea of “dressing for success” while challenging conventional perceptions of the traditional meat-selling business.
For him, the corporate look is more than a fashion statement. It represents his belief that professionalism, dignity and ambition can thrive in any legitimate line of work.
