By Abiodun JIMOH
Nestlé Professional, in collaboration with the World Association of Chefs’ Societies (Worldchefs) and the Association of Professional Chefs Nigeria (APCN), joined chefs across the globe to mark International Chefs Day 2025 with the theme “Food Explorers.”
The colourful celebration, held on October 21, 2025, at Nestlé’s Sagamu Factory in Ogun State, brought together 10 professional chefs and 40 pupils from Nestlé for Healthier Kids (N4HK) beneficiary schools. The day was filled with fun, creativity, and lessons designed to connect children with the origins of their food and the importance of healthy eating.
From planting seeds in the factory’s garden to preparing colourful, balanced meals in the training kitchen, the pupils experienced the entire journey of food. Guided by seasoned chefs, they discovered how nutrition, creativity, and sustainability work together to make healthy eating both enjoyable and achievable.
Speaking at the event, Ibraheem Awelenje, Business Manager, Nestlé Professional, explained the purpose of the initiative.
International Chefs Day provides a platform to celebrate culinary talent while inspiring the next generation to embrace nutrition and creativity. At Nestlé, we believe that good food is essential for a healthier future, and initiatives like this encourage young minds to make conscious choices about what they eat.”
Chef Cyril Agbachom, Team Lead of the APCN delegation, also commended the enthusiasm of the participating children.
We are excited to connect with these young food explorers. Teaching children about healthy diets in a hands-on way helps them appreciate local ingredients and understand the joy of cooking. It’s about sparking curiosity and nurturing the next generation of health-conscious chefs.”
The event also featured a practical gardening session led by Mrs. Halimat Adeniji, Deputy Director, Department of Agriculture and Food Systems, who guided the pupils in planting and caring for local fruits and vegetables.
“Catching them young is vital for food security,” she said. “When children learn to grow and enjoy our locally available foods, they cultivate healthier habits and support sustainable local agriculture.”
Each child left with a plant pot and recipe card, serving as a reminder of their learning experience and encouraging them to continue exploring nutritious meals at home and in school.
Since 2014, Nestlé Professional and APCN have partnered to promote nutrition education and healthy eating among children across Nigeria. The initiative complements Nestlé for Healthier Kids (N4HK) the company’s global flagship program aimed at helping 50 million children lead healthier lives by 2030.
Beyond inspiring schoolchildren, the collaboration holds deep significance for Nigeria’s culinary professionals and emerging chefs. By bridging corporate resources with culinary expertise, the program strengthens local food culture, builds awareness about healthy cooking techniques, and nurtures a new generation of chefs passionate about nutrition, innovation, and sustainability.
For many young Nigerian chefs, initiatives like International Chefs Day create invaluable exposure and mentorship opportunities. They provide a platform to interact with industry leaders, experiment with local ingredients, and understand how global culinary standards can blend with Nigeria’s diverse food heritage. This experience can spark innovation in local cuisine, encourage farm-to-table practices, and even open pathways to international recognition.
Ultimately, Nestlé’s continued investment in culinary education and youth engagement goes beyond corporate social responsibility — it represents a strategic contribution to Nigeria’s food and hospitality industry. By nurturing children and empowering chefs, Nestlé is helping build a future where good nutrition, creativity, and sustainability are not just ideals, but everyday practices shaping healthier lives and stronger communities across the country.
