A Culinary Triumph at St. Charles College: Ikechukwu Ifechukwu Wins the 2025 Healthy Living Cooking Competition
In an impressive showcase of culinary skills, Ikechukwu Ifechukwu, a student from St. Charles College, Onitsha, emerged victorious in the 2025 edition of the Healthy Living Cooking Competition. This exciting event, spearheaded by Dr. Nonye Soludo, the wife of the Anambra State Governor, took place on Friday at the picturesque Banquet Hall of the Light House in Awka.
The Competition’s Essence
The annual competition has become a staple event, attracting talented young chefs from schools across all 21 local government areas of Anambra. This year, participants were given a rigorous challenge: to prepare a complete recipe and various delicacies within a tight timeframe of just one hour and twenty minutes. Judges meticulously assessed the contestants on several criteria, including hygiene, food taste, plating, and service manner—all critical components of culinary excellence.
A Battle of Skills
In a thrilling finale, Ifechukwu and his partner represented the Onitsha zone and triumphed over formidable opponents from Aguata and Nnewi zones, who finished in second and third places, respectively. The competition not only spotlighted cooking skills but also emphasized the importance of healthy living and nutrition, allowing participants to showcase their understanding of these critical aspects.
Promoting Healthy Living
This edition of the competition included a quiz component focused on healthy cooking and lifestyle practices, reinforcing the aim of promoting personal hygiene and wellness among the youth. Dr. Nonye Soludo stated that the initiative seeks to combat the alarming trend of unhealthy eating habits among young people. She noted the importance of equipping students with the skills to prepare nutritious meals and stressed that such educational opportunities are vital for shaping a healthier future.
Insights from Dr. Nonye Soludo
In her remarks during the event, Mrs. Soludo reflected on the dual objectives of the competition. She expressed pride in how the “Healthy Living with Nonye Soludo” program has evolved into an essential part of the school curriculum. “These competitions are critical for our overall vision for schools. They provide our students with the tools they need for a bright and healthy future,” she explained.
Her comments also highlighted the growing trend of schoolboys winning cooking competitions—an encouraging sign that challenges gender stereotypes in culinary roles. “Ours is a program that defies stereotypes and traditional misconceptions. We are striving for a lasting impact,” she asserted.
The Importance of Nutrition Education
The focus on nutrition was further emphasized by Dr. Afam Obidike, the state Commissioner for Health, who underscored the initiative’s goal of teaching discipline, teamwork, and creativity through nutrition education. He celebrated how the competition promotes indigenous foods and inspires career aspirations in the fields of nutrition and hospitality.
Grateful Winners
Post-competition, Master Ifechukwu expressed heartfelt gratitude to Mrs. Soludo for providing a platform where students could exhibit their culinary talents. He attributed his victory not just to his skills but also to the rigorous training he received at home. “Thanks to my mother for her diligence in teaching me how to prepare healthy meals. I’m thrilled and honored to have won,” he remarked.
Quiz Component: Winners Revealed
In addition to the cooking competition, students also participated in the Healthy Living Quiz, with the Nnewi zone clinching first place. Otuocha and Aguata zones followed closely, securing second and third positions, respectively. This additional format allowed for an even broader discussion on the importance of healthy living among the youth.
Celebrating Achievements
The First Lady concluded the event by presenting cash gifts to the winners and commendations for coordinators and champions of the Healthy Living Club across the state. It was a day filled with excitement, learning, and the collective commitment to fostering a healthier lifestyle among the next generation of leaders.