Nestle marks International Chefs Day with pupils

Nestle Nigeria Plc, in collaboration with the World Association of Chefs’ Societies (World Chefs) and the Association of Professional Chefs Nigeria, recently, marked International Chefs Day 2024.

The annual event aimed at championing healthy eating and creativity among Nigeria’s young generation with this year’s theme, “growing great chefs” brought together 10 professional chefs and 40 children from Nestlé for Healthier Kids (N4HK) beneficiary schools.

The workshop allowed the children to add their personal touch and creativity to cooking while discovering new ways of enjoying food without compromising on nutrition, as the children participated in hands-on cookery workshops, using nutritious ingredients like spinach, potatoes, carrots, and rice.

Business Manager at Nestlé Professional, Funmi Osineye, emphasised the importance of the initiative, saying the wellbeing of children is a top priority for parents, caregivers, and a key marker of societal progress.

She stated that Nestlé Nigeria Plc is dedicated to collaborating with stakeholders to improve healthy living of future generations through nutrition education and provision of high-quality, nutritious food and beverages.

She said the event serves as a vital platform for inspiring children to explore their creativity with food.

She explained that since 2014, Nestlé and the Association of Professional Chefs Nigeria have collaborated on this commendable initiative, fostering healthier nutrition habits among children to ensure a healthier future.

Osineye noted that the event was part of Nestlé Nigeria’s commitment to helping 50 million children globally live healthier lives through its flagship programme, Nestlé for Healthier Kids (N4HK).

Coordinator, Lagos Branch of the Association of Professional Chefs Nigeria, Chef Udemezue Okoli, said every year Nestlé Professional raises the bar through its investment in the food service industry, especially by supporting the development of chefs, promoting Nigeria’s food tourism, and inspiring the next generation of culinary talent.

One of the participants, Blessing Peter, a pupil of Salvation Army Primary School, Edu, Agbara, expressed excitement for being selected to be part of the event. “I really enjoyed creating new recipes with sweet potatoes, chicken and vegetables and I want to share what I have learnt with my family. I want to thank Nestlé Nigeria’s for this opportunity to learn so much and have fun.”