The First Lady of Lagos State, Dr Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu, has boys are prepared for responsible, self-reliant life if they are taught how to cook, saying they can also use it to build careers in Nigeria’s expanding hospitality business.
Tripod Times reports that that Mrs Sanwo-Olu who stated this on Monday in Ikeja at a cooking competition said the boys are better equipped for an increasingly competitive world while shifting from traditional classroom learning to practical life skills.
“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.
“Today, we are not simply celebrating winners of a cooking competition. We are celebrating a new way of thinking, a generation of young boys who are learning that responsibility, creativity, self-reliance and excellence have no gender,” she said.
The event marked the climax of the cooking competition held during the 2026 Lagos Boy Child Initiative Residential Camp, which brought together boys aged between 13 and 17 from public and private schools, military and faith-based institutions, orphanages and correctional facilities across the five administrative divisions of Lagos.
The competition was designed to dispel the notion that cooking is exclusively a woman’s responsibility while preparing participants for realities such as living independently, studying abroad, working away from home or supporting families where both spouses pursue careers.
Sanwo-Olu recalled that the cooking competition was introduced during last year’s residential workshop in Agbowa as one of the practical components of the initiative.
“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,” she said.
The First Lady said the programme aligns with Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s THEMES+ development agenda, particularly its focus on youth development and social inclusion.
“This competition is one of the many ways through which we are investing in our boys, not only academically but also by equipping them with life skills that will prepare them for a rapidly changing world,” she said.
Projecting Lagos as Africa’s hospitality capital, the First Lady said the state’s growing tourism industry would increasingly require skilled professionals across hotels, restaurants, event management, catering and other hospitality services.
“Hotels, resorts, restaurants, event centres, cruise operations, catering businesses and international hospitality brands will require well-trained, disciplined and creative human resources.
“Some of the young boys seated here today could become tomorrow’s celebrated chefs, hospitality managers, food entrepreneurs, culinary educators or owners of internationally recognised restaurant brands. We must therefore begin to prepare them now,” she added
She maintained that cooking is an indispensable survival skill irrespective of career choice.
“The reality of today’s world is that many young people will pursue higher education, careers or business opportunities far away from home and, in many cases, outside Nigeria.
“At such moments, self-reliance becomes invaluable. A young man who can confidently care for himself is better equipped to navigate life with dignity, confidence and independence,” she said.
In one of the strongest moments of her speech, Sanwo-Olu challenged cultural stereotypes surrounding domestic responsibilities.
“Caring for the home should never be viewed as the exclusive responsibility of women. Every member of the family has a role to play in creating a happy, healthy and supportive home environment.
“When our boys learn to cook, they are not becoming less masculine; they are becoming more responsible, more compassionate and better prepared for life,” Dr Sanwo-Olu said.
She added that the shopping vouchers presented to the winners were intended to teach budgeting and responsible financial habits rather than simply reward performance.
“These vouchers are not merely prizes; they are lessons in responsibility. They introduce our boys to the mindset of provision, planning and thoughtful leadership within the family.
“We want them to appreciate that responsible men contribute meaningfully to the welfare of their households,” she added.
Sanwo-Olu explained that the Lagos Marriott Hotel was deliberately selected for the ceremony to immerse participants in a professional hospitality environment.
“Today, they will interact with an environment where culinary excellence is practised daily. They will see professional chefs, many of them men, creating exceptional dining experiences for guests from different parts of the world.
“We hope this exposure will broaden their aspirations and inspire some of them to pursue rewarding careers within this thriving industry,” she said.
The competition produced winners from three educational districts across the state.
District II emerged overall champion with 47 points, earning each of its 10 team members shopping vouchers worth N100,000 redeemable at Prince Ebeano Supermarket.
District IV placed second with 39 points, with each of its 11 members receiving N80,000 shopping vouchers redeemable at SPAR Market Nigeria Limited, while District VI finished third on 38 points, with each of its 11 contestants awarded N50,000 shopping vouchers redeemable at Justrite Superstores.
Beyond the shopping vouchers, the leaders of the three winning teams received a fully sponsored three-week Continental Culinary Arts Course at the Red Dish Chronicles Culinary School in Lagos valued at N2.475m, including accommodation and feeding.
