The First Lady of Lagos State, Dr. Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu, has said teaching boys how to cook is not about challenging masculinity but equipping them with life skills needed to build successful careers, support their families and take advantage of opportunities in Nigeria’s growing hospitality industry.
Speaking on Monday at the 2026 Lagos Boy Child Initiative Cooking Competition Prize-Giving Ceremony held at the Lagos Marriott Hotel, Ikeja, Mrs Sanwo-Olu described the programme as a deliberate effort to prepare young boys for the realities of an increasingly competitive world.
“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.
Building life skills beyond the classroom
The event marked the climax of the 2026 Lagos Boy Child Initiative Residential Camp, bringing together boys aged between 13 and 17 from public and private schools, military and faith-based institutions, orphanages and correctional facilities across the state’s five administrative divisions.
According to the First Lady, the cooking competition was introduced to challenge the belief that cooking is solely a woman’s responsibility while preparing participants for independent living, studying abroad, career opportunities and family responsibilities.
She said the initiative was first introduced during last year’s residential workshop in Agbowa.
“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.
Hospitality industry offers huge opportunities
Mrs Sanwo-Olu noted that the programme aligns with Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s THEMES+ development agenda, particularly its emphasis on youth development and social inclusion.
She said Lagos’ expanding tourism and hospitality sector would require skilled professionals across hotels, restaurants, catering businesses, event management and other related industries.
“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.
‘Cooking does not reduce masculinity’
The First Lady stressed that cooking is an essential survival skill regardless of career choice, especially for young people who may eventually live away from home.
“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.
She also challenged traditional gender 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,” Mrs Sanwo-Olu said.
Winners receive scholarships, shopping vouchers
The First Lady explained that the shopping vouchers awarded to the winners were intended to teach budgeting, financial planning and responsible leadership.
“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.
District II emerged overall winner with 47 points, earning each of its 10 team members shopping vouchers worth N100,000 redeemable at Prince Ebeano Supermarket.
District IV finished second with 39 points, with each of its 11 members receiving shopping vouchers worth N80,000 redeemable at SPAR Market Nigeria Limited.
District VI placed third with 38 points, while each of its 11 contestants received shopping vouchers worth N50,000 redeemable at Justrite Superstores.
Culinary scholarships, national competition
Beyond the cash vouchers, the leaders of the three winning teams received fully sponsored three-week Continental Culinary Arts courses at Red Dish Chronicles Culinary School in Lagos, valued at N2.475 million, including accommodation and feeding.
Mrs Sanwo-Olu also announced that the winners would represent the Lagos Boy Child Initiative at the Akwaaba African Travel Market Jollof Cooking Competition scheduled for September 13.
She urged the participants to remain committed to excellence.
“Today’s prizes are not the destination; they are simply a reminder that greater opportunities await those who remain disciplined, focused and committed to excellence,” she said.
Exposure beyond the kitchen
Before the award ceremony, the winners enjoyed a fine-dining experience with the First Lady at Wakame Restaurant inside the Lagos Marriott Hotel and toured the hotel’s commercial kitchen, where they interacted with professional chefs and gained first-hand experience of international culinary operations.
Beyond cooking, participants at the residential camp received training in leadership, etiquette, resilience, vocational skills, self-esteem, mental health awareness, drug abuse prevention and sexual and gender-based violence.
They also visited the 9 Brigade Nigerian Army, Nigerian Navy Ship Beecroft, the Base Services Group, the Aircraft Maintenance Depot and the Department of State Services to encourage interest in careers within Nigeria’s security institutions.
Launched in October 2021, the Lagos Boy Child Initiative promotes mentorship, advocacy, life-skills development and programmes aimed at improving the social, emotional and economic outcomes of boys across Lagos State.
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