From farming ‘jollof wars’ to expanding our indigenous palette, social media has had significant growth on the African culinary industry in recent times. More Nigerian chefs need to harp on the dynamic digital terrain to gain more out of their profession, industry stakeholders have advised.

Discussing the myriad benefits of this new reality at a workshop organized by the Culinary Arts Practitioners of Nigeria (CAPA) dubbed, ‘Growing Great Chefs’ to commemorate the recent International Chef’s Week, hospitality industry experts all spoke with one voice on the need to harness the power of social media.

In her keynote speech, renowned hospitality consultant and CEO, Tang, Uju Amaeshi, the next generation of chefs would have easier pathways to popularity by connecting with their counterparts across the globe.

“As you grow, you share your journey. You easily network with people across the hospitality industry on social media without the bore of spamming. It also expands your education on new techniques and innovation. For instance, TikTok is such a rich repository of knowledge that you might not even find in the most popular business schools. It also helps you to position your brand to give it your preferred reputation without having to break the bank. You need to grow your community as a culinary practitioner.”

On her own part, culinary expert and founder Red Dish Chronicles, Onyinye Emechebe, professionally known as Chef Roux, noted that leveraging social media helps to boost the confidence of both emerging and veteran hospitality professionals alike.

She added that it exposed them to key communities like CAPA Nigeria which helps connect them to information beyond “the four walls of the culinary school. I am happy that CAPA is bridging the gap between students and the general hospitality industry and it is helping them to meet people who can influence their knowledge on starting their brands.”

Other key panelists who spoke at the workshop including Chef Sanni of Ile Iyan and Chef Gabby of The Gaby Lagos all reinforced the need for present-day hospitality and culinary professionals to join the culinary community on social media to impact on their career journeys.

Thanking the speakers and attendees, CAPA Nigeria President and acclaimed culinary instructor Rukayat Momoh, better known as Chef Giggles, noted that the association believes the workshop was vital “to educate the younger ones more about what lies ahead. And also do our best to inspire them on this day, for them to see the positive aspect of this profession.”