Lagos Initiative Empowers Boys Through Culinary Skills

On Monday, the Lagos Boy Child Initiative, organized by the First Lady of Lagos State, Dr. Claudiana Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu, hosted a cooking competition at the Lagos Marriott Hotel, Ikeja. This event aligns with Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s THEMES+ Agenda, which focuses on developing young talents with practical skills.

Dr. Sanwo-Olu stated that the competition aims to prepare boys for careers in the expanding tourism and hospitality sectors, highlighting the need for skilled workers in hotels, restaurants, and other hospitality venues. She emphasized that teaching boys to cook challenges gender stereotypes and fosters responsibility and compassion.

The initiative aims to prepare boys for future roles as chefs, hospitality managers, and food entrepreneurs. Additionally, a partnership with the Akwaaba African Travel Market was announced, allowing winners to showcase their culinary skills at the 22nd Akwaaba African Travel Market's Jollof Cooking Competition on September 13, 2026, at Eko Hotels & Suites, Lagos.