Inside the training kitchen at Nestlé’s Sagamu Factory, laughter mixed with the aroma of fresh vegetables and spices as schoolchildren rolled up their sleeves to cook alongside professional chefs. It was a day of discovery, creativity, and learning, as Nestlé Professional celebrated International Chefs Day 2025 under the theme “Food Explorers.”
The event brought together 10 professional chefs and 40 pupils from Nestlé for Healthier Kids (N4HK) beneficiary schools for an engaging, hands-on experience that celebrated food as a source of health, joy, and sustainability. From planting seeds in the factory garden to preparing colorful, balanced meals, the children explored the entire journey of food in a way that was both fun and educational.
Ibraheem Awelenje, Business Manager, Nestlé Professional, explained that the event represents more than a global celebration of chefs.
“For us, International Chefs Day is not only about honoring those who create special meals but also about engaging with children and inspiring them to see food differently. We want to nurture the next generation of chefs who value creativity, nutrition, and sustainability. These principles are at the heart of what we do at Nestlé,” he said.
The event, organized in collaboration with the World Association of Chefs’ Societies (Worldchefs) and the Association of Professional Chefs Nigeria (APCN), showcased how food education can build healthier futures for children and communities.
Chef Cyril Agbachom, Team Lead of the APCN delegation, spoke about the importance of connecting with young minds early.
“We are thrilled to work with these young food explorers. Teaching children about healthy eating in a practical way helps them appreciate nutritious food and enjoy preparing it. This experience builds curiosity, creativity, and a lifelong love for good food,” he said.
The children also participated in a gardening session led by Mrs. Halimat Adeniji, Deputy Director at the Department of Agriculture and Food Systems. She showed them how to plant and care for local fruits and vegetables that thrive in Nigeria’s soil.
“Catching them young is key to achieving food security,” she said. “When children learn to grow and eat local foods, they develop healthy habits and a deep appreciation for the food around them.”
At the end of the event, each child received a plant pot and a recipe card to take back to school as a reminder of the lessons learned. It was a symbolic gesture, encouraging them to continue exploring food and nutrition in their daily lives.
Since 2014, Nestlé Professional and the Association of Professional Chefs Nigeria have partnered to promote healthy eating among children across the country. The program complements Nestlé for Healthier Kids (N4HK), the company’s global flagship initiative that aims to help 50 million children lead healthier lives by 2030.
Through this partnership, Nestlé Nigeria continues to shape a generation that understands food not just as nourishment, but as a foundation for wellness, creativity, and sustainability. Each child who participated left with more than new recipes. They left with a better understanding of how food choices can shape a healthier future for themselves and their communities.
