International Chefs Day: Chef Amaka takes reins at CAPA Nigeria

As the world commemorates the International Chefs Day, the Nigerian culinary committee is repositioning its stance at widespread development with a handover of leadership of the Culinary Arts Practitioners Association of Nigeria from outgoing president Chef Rukayat Momoh to her successor Chef Amaka Nwakalor-Egemba.

Momoh, whose tenure was characterised with reforms in culinary education and a culinary award system, is bowing out voluntarily at a handover ceremony today.

“A change of tenure can be a catalyst for growth, continuity, progress and positive transformations. New leadership brings about new perspectives, opportunities, fresh ideas and solutions to issues that may have been overlooked by previous leaders. As I step down, I am excited to see how the industry continues to push the boundaries of culinary excellence and explore new flavours locally and globally” Momoh said.

The culinary body, also known as CAPA Nigeria, began actively in 2017 with the inaugural presidency manned by Chef Tiyan Alile.

Momoh, professionally known as Chef Giggles of Giggles Culinary Academy, became the CAPA Nigeria president, in 2021, in accordance with their constitution which allows for a special nomination by the outgoing President and a confirmation by the body’s executive arm. The Presidency’s tenure is not presently fixed, but Momoh claims that there is an ongoing constitution reform to allow for that soon.

“As the outgoing president of CAPA, I want to take a moment to express my heartfelt gratitude to each and every one of you. It has been an incredible journey, filled with life changing moments, inspiring collaborations, and countless learning experiences.

“Together, we’ve accomplished so much, from hosting successful events, showcasing our culinary talents, food culture, to launching new initiatives that have elevated our community and brought us closer together. I am especially proud of how we embraced unity, professionalism, creativity and innovation in our culinary practices,” Momoh said about her handover.

Enthusiastic about the task ahead, the incoming President Chef Amaka Nwakalor-Egemba, who’s also the Founder of Dish L’Afrique, commented: “I am deeply honoured to accept the role of President of the Culinary Arts Practitioners of Nigeria (CAPA). This opportunity presents a remarkable platform to build upon the incredible work laid down by the founding members and leaders of our industry.

“The culinary space in Nigeria deserves increased visibility and structure, and I am committed to driving this vision forward. With this appointment comes the responsibility of enhancing the framework for growth, including the recruitment of new members, the development of initiatives that benefit all culinary professionals, and fostering collaborations both locally and internationally.

“CAPA has achieved so much under the guidance of our previous leaders, and I am excited to take the mantle alongside my team, continuing their legacy and ensuring even greater impact in our culinary industry. While the road ahead will be filled with challenges, I am confident that together, we will see tremendous results.”