Young Food Explorers: Nestlé Professional, Chefs Nurture Next Generation on International Chefs Day

 Nestlé Professional, in partnership with the World Association of Chefs’ Societies (Worldchefs) and the Association of Professional Chefs Nigeria (APCN), celebrated International Chefs Day 2025 under the theme “Food Explorers.”

The event, held at Nestlé’s Sagamu Factory, brought together 10 professional chefs and 40 enthusiastic pupils from Nestlé for Healthier Kids (N4HK) beneficiary schools for a hands-on day focused on food, nutrition, and sustainability. 

From Garden to Kitchen

The children experienced the full journey of food, starting with a practical session in the factory garden where they planted seeds. They then moved to the training kitchen, guided by the chefs, to prepare colorful, balanced meals. The program aimed to demonstrate how good nutrition, creativity, and sustainability come together to make healthy eating both exciting and enjoyable. 

Ibraheem Awelenje, Business Manager, Nestlé Professional, emphasized the initiative's core purpose. 

"International Chefs Day provides the opportunity to not only celebrate those who curate special meals but also to engage children and nurture the next generation of chefs who are conscious about making healthier meals."

He added that the event aligns with Nestlé's core values, where nutrition, creativity, and sustainability are key to shaping a healthier future.

Inspiring Curiosity and Food Security

Chéf Cyril Agbachom Team Lead of the APCN delegation, shared his delight in connecting with the young participants. "Teaching school children about healthy diets in an engaging, hands-on way helps them understand the value of nutritious ingredients while having fun in the kitchen. It is about inspiring curiosity, creativity, and a lifelong love for good, healthy food," he said. 

The children also participated in a practical gardening session led by Mrs. Halimat Adeniji, Deputy Director of the Department of Agriculture and Food Systems. She taught them how to plant and care for local fruits and vegetables, stressing the national importance of the initiative. 

"Catching them young is key to achieving food security. When children learn to grow and eat our locally available foods, they not only develop healthier habits but also build a lifelong appreciation for nutritious eating,”Mrs. Adeniji noted. 

At the close of the event, each pupil received a plant pot and a recipe card to take home, reinforcing the practical lessons learned.

Since 2014, Nestlé Professional and APCN have worked together to promote healthy eating, complementing the company’s global N4HK program, which aims to help 50 million children lead healthier lives by 2030.

About Nestlé Nigeria

Nestlé Nigeria is one of the largest food and beverage companies in Africa, dedicated to enhancing the quality of life for everyone today and for generations to come. With over 62 years of operation, it consistently delivers high-quality nutritious food and beverages under iconic brands like MAGGI, MILO, and NESCAFÉ, operating 3 manufacturing sites and 7 branch offices across the country.