A male student, Master Ikechukwu Ifechukwu, has emerged as the winner of a cooking competition in Anambra State, Nigeria. The event, which took place in Awka, saw Ifechukwu, a student of St Charles College, Onitsha, representing the Onitsha zone, take the top prize. His victory came as a surprise to many in attendance at the grand finale.

The competition assessed participants based on their adherence to proper hygiene, food taste, presentation, and service manner. Contestants were given the opportunity to choose their own recipes and prepare them from start to finish within a time frame of one hour and twenty minutes. Ifechukwu’s culinary skills outshone those of female contestants from schools in Aguata and Nnewi zones, who took second and third place respectively.

The Anambra State First Lady, Dr. Soludo, was in attendance at the event and spoke about the importance of teaching young people to prepare healthy meals. She noted that the competition was organized to address the observed trend of young individuals being unable to cook nutritious food. Dr. Soludo emphasized the need for parents to provide their children with equal training and opportunities, regardless of gender, to enable them to develop essential life skills and live independently.

The cooking competition is part of a broader effort to promote culinary skills and healthy eating habits among young people in Anambra State. By providing a platform for students to showcase their cooking abilities, the event aims to encourage the development of practical skills that can benefit them throughout their lives. The outcome of the competition highlights the importance of providing equal opportunities for all individuals to acquire essential life skills, regardless of their gender or background. As the winner, Ifechukwu’s achievement serves as a testament to the potential of young people to excel in various fields when given the chance.