The convener of the Ibadan Chops ‘n’ Chill food event in Ibadan who doubles as the Chief Executive Officer of Chef Wendy’s Kitchen, Chef Chinwendu Festus Wendy says the forthcoming second edition of Ibadan Chops ‘n’ Chill will be more than just a food festival, as it will offer another opportunity to celebrate flavours and culinary talents in Ibadan and its environs.
Chef Wendy made this known while addressing journalists during a press conference in Ibadan, in preparation for the December 1st, 2024 Ibadan Chops ‘n’ Chill 2.0 food event.
She said the event is on a mission to create a platform for talented chefs to emerge through healthy food cooking competitions where winners will be going home with cash prizes, sponsorship deal into culinary school, empowerment with cooking utensils among other.
She explained that the second edition of the event will further establish Ibadan as a culinary force to be reckoned with in Nigeria.
“”Ibadan Chops ‘n’ Chill” is a culinary event that started in the year 2023 with the aim of showcasing local talents in culinary businesses, as well as positioning Ibadan City to the world as a culinary powerhouse within Nigeria’s growing fast food industry”.
“As of 2023, Ibadan was valued at a staggering N250 billion, which is around $602.5 million by the Association of Fast-Food Confectioners of Nigeria (AFFCON).
“The maiden edition of Ibadan Chops ‘n’ Chill was colourful and successful, as over 5,000 food enthusiasts, photographers, videographers, brand managers and ambassadors, event planners, chefs, food vendors, fun seekers among others graced the event that was held at the Ibadan Polo Club, Eleyele, Ibadan which recorded great success.
“Myself and other members of my team in partnership with other stakeholders are working tirelessly to ensure the smooth running of this event as over 10,000 food enthusiasts, photographers , videographers, music artistes, among others have been invited across the country and they are expected to savour Ibadan city’s finest cuisines.
“This event is scheduled to hold on Sunday, December 1st 2024, at the Ibadan Recreation Club Eleyele with the aim of serving as a springboard for local chefs while positioning Ibadan as a culinary powerhouse within Nigeria’s burgeoning fast-food industry.
Chef Wendy said the promises to be a feast for both the medium and upper classes in the society, as it will offer an irresistible assortment of culinary delights, workshops, competitions, and entertainment.
She said “Indigenous and international chefs will all gather under one roof, ready to delight and entice taste buds. Expert chefs will lead engaging cooking workshops, revealing their culinary styles and demonstrate how effortless it is to craft exceptional dishes.
Also speaking, Chef Abdulrasaq Tawab popularly known as Chef Hooo praised the convener for her doggedness and commitments, calling on Ibadan residents to come out en-mass for the event, to show the city’s capacity to compete with Lagos, Abuja and others in Food exhibition.
Earlier in an address, Oyo state commissioner for youth and sports, Miss Wasilat Adegoke, representing by Miss Kareem Maryam reaffirmed the commitment of the state government to youth driven initiative and fostering entrepreneurship drive in the state.