The First Lady of Lagos State, Dr. (Mrs.) Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu, has fulfilled her promise to celebrate the champions of the 2025 Lagos Boy Child Initiative (LBCI) Cooking Competition with prizes, professional training, and special experiences.
The winners were recently hosted to a special luncheon at Red Restaurant, Eko Hotels, Victoria Island, alongside their families. During the event, Dr. Sanwo-Olu praised the participants for their outstanding performance and reiterated her commitment to providing opportunities for boys in Lagos State.
She highlighted that the annual LBCI Prize Giving Ceremony goes beyond awarding prizes, serving as a platform to showcase the initiative’s mission: to protect, nurture, and empower boys to reach their full potential.
“The Lagos Boy Child Initiative was conceived to provide balance in advocacy. While efforts to uplift the girl child have been widespread and commendable, we must also pay equal attention to the boy child, guiding and equipping them to become responsible leaders, professionals, and citizens,” the First Lady stated.
Dr. Sanwo-Olu noted that the cooking contest had helped challenge gender stereotypes, proving that boys can excel in all fields, including the kitchen, when given the right platform.
The Honourable Commissioner for Basic and Secondary Education, Mr. Jamiu Ali-Balogun, commended the First Lady for her consistent support of boys through the initiative. He added that practical skills competitions like this complement formal education and are essential in nurturing responsible citizens.
Also speaking, the Chairman of the Lagos Boy Child Initiative, Mrs. Scholarstica Adeniyi-Abass, described the competition as a flagship programme, emphasizing how it challenges stereotypes and opens new opportunities for boys. She highlighted the First Lady’s support as a key driver of the initiative’s growth across Lagos State.
Winners from Ikeja, Lagos, Badagry, and Epe divisions received shopping vouchers worth ₦100,000, ₦80,000, and ₦50,000 per team member for use at Justrite Superstores and Ebeano Supermarkets. Additionally, team leaders will participate in a three-week fully sponsored continental culinary course in collaboration with LBCI, the Dipo Jaji Foundation, and Red Dish Chronicles Culinary School.
The students also experienced an educational tour of Eko Hotels, including behind-the-scenes visits to the Red Restaurant and Nigerian Restaurant kitchens, further exposing them to opportunities in the hospitality sector.
Reported by: Stone Reporters News
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