Charles Ajunwa
Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s THEMES+ Agenda targeting young talents with practical skills beyond the classroom resonated on Monday at the prize-giving ceremony of the 2026 Lagos Boy Child Initiative cooking competition organised by the Lagos First Lady, Dr. Claudiana Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu.
The competition held at the Lagos Marriott Hotel, Ikeja, according to Mrs. Sanwo-Olu, was designed to prepare young boys for practical skills that will enhance their cooking careers. She said the state’s expanding tourism economy would require skilled workers to serve hotels, restaurants, resorts, event centres, cruise operations and international hospitality brands.
“Our State is steadily positioning itself as Africa’s preferred destination for tourism, hospitality, entertainment, culture and creative enterprise. As this vision unfolds, the demand for skilled professionals across the hospitality industry will continue to grow,” she added.
Sanwo-Olu, who challenged gender stereotypes, stressed that teaching boys how to cook not only builds responsibility, but it makes them to be compassionate and better prepared for life.
According to her, “caring for the home should never be viewed as the exclusive responsibility of women. When our boys learn to cook, they are not becoming less masculine; they are becoming more responsible, more compassionate and better prepared for life.”
“There is something truly remarkable about a young boy who discovers that his hands can do more than write examinations or operate digital devices. They can also prepare meals, create opportunities, build careers and bring joy to others,” she added.
According to her, “Some of the young boys seated here today could become tomorrow’s celebrated chefs, hospitality managers, food entrepreneurs, culinary educators or restaurant brands. We must therefore begin to prepare them now.”
“Our objective was simple but profound: to expose our boys to culinary skills, ignite their passion for the hospitality industry and help them appreciate that cooking is not merely a domestic activity but a respected profession capable of creating wealth, employment and global opportunities. Today, I am delighted that this vision is gradually becoming a reality,” she said.
The First Lady of Lagos State also announced a strategic partnership between the Lagos Boy Child Initiative (LBCI) and the Akwaaba African Travel Market, a collaboration that will provide winners of the LBCI Boys Cooking Competition with an opportunity to showcase their culinary talents on one of Africa’s biggest tourism and hospitality platforms.
She disclosed that winners of the cooking competition will represent the Lagos Boy Child Initiative at the 22nd Akwaaba African Travel Market, where they will participate in the Jollof Cooking Competition scheduled for September 13, 2026, at Eko Hotels & Suites, Lagos.
The choice of Lagos Marriott Hotel, according to Sanwo-Olu, was intentional as it gives the boys opportunity to tour commercial kitchens, interact with professional chefs and observe international culinary standards in practice.