Nestlé Professional Motivates Young Food Explorers On International Chefs Day 2025

Nestlé Professional joined chefs across the globe to celebrate International Chefs Day 2025, hosting an engaging and educational event for schoolchildren under the theme “Food Explorers.”

The celebration, organised in collaboration with the World Association of Chefs’ Societies (Worldchefs) and the Association of Professional Chefs Nigeria (APCN), took place recently at Nestlé’s Sagamu Factory in Ogun State.

The event brought together 10 professional chefs and 40 pupils from Nestlé for Healthier Kids (N4HK) beneficiary schools for a day filled with creativity, learning, and fun.

From planting seeds in the factory’s garden to preparing vibrant, balanced meals in the training kitchen, the young participants embarked on a hands-on journey through the world of food, discovering how nutrition, creativity, and sustainability can make healthy eating both exciting and rewarding.

Speaking during the event, Ibraheem Awelenje, Business Manager, Nestlé Professional, highlighted the essence of the celebration.

Awelenje said “International Chefs Day provides an opportunity not only to 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 said. “Events like this reflect our core values at Nestlé, where nutrition, creativity, and sustainability go hand in hand in shaping a healthier future.”

Chef Cyril Agbachom, Team Lead of the APCN delegation, expressed delight at the children’s enthusiasm and curiosity.

“We are thrilled to connect with these young food explorers,” he said. “Teaching school children about healthy diets in a fun, hands-on way helps them understand the value of nutritious ingredients while inspiring creativity and a lifelong love for good, healthy food.”

The pupils also took part in a practical gardening session led by Mrs. Halimat Adeniji, Deputy Director, Department of Agriculture and Food Systems.

She guided them on planting and nurturing local fruits and vegetables suited to Nigeria’s climate.

“Catching them young is key to achieving food security. When children learn to grow and eat our locally available foods, they develop healthier habits and a deeper appreciation for nutritious eating,” Adeniji said.

As the event drew to a close, each child received a plant pot and a recipe card—tokens to remind them of the lessons learned and the joy of exploring food in meaningful, sustainable ways.

Since 2014, Nestlé Professional and the Association of Professional Chefs Nigeria have collaborated to promote nutrition education and healthy eating among children nationwide. The initiative supports Nestlé’s global flagship programme, Nestlé for Healthier Kids (N4HK), which aims to help 50 million children lead healthier lives by 2030. Through such partnerships, Nestlé continues to inspire children to make informed food choices that support their wellbeing, empower families, and strengthen communities—one healthy meal at a time.

Nestlé Nigeria, one of Africa’s leading food and beverage companies, has operated in the country for over 62 years, delivering high-quality, nutritious products under iconic brands such as MAGGI, MILO, GOLDEN MORN, NESTLÉ PURE LIFE, CERELAC, NESCAFÉ, and NIDO. With three manufacturing sites, seven branch offices, and a head office in Lagos, the company remains committed to enhancing quality of life, promoting wellbeing, and building thriving communities while taking action to protect the planet.