No fewer than 1,500 food lovers, chefs, creatives, entrepreneurs and entertainment enthusiasts are expected to converge on Ibadan, Oyo State, for the Ibadanchops’N’Chill culinary, entertainment and lifestyle festival.
The organisers said between 1,500 and 2,000 people were expected at the event, which is designed to celebrate Nigerian food culture, emerging culinary talents and the creativity of young people in the food and hospitality industry.
The convener of Ibadanchops’N’Chill, Chinwendu Fetus, popularly known as Chef Wendy, disclosed this in a statement issued ahead of the event.
She said the festival would be held under the theme, “Empowering Young Chefs, Celebrating Nigerian Flavours,” adding that the event would combine culinary competition, live entertainment, networking and lifestyle experiences.
According to Chef Wendy, the festival is intended to create a vibrant platform where food lovers can enjoy Nigerian flavours while young chefs get the opportunity to showcase their skills before a live audience.
One of the major attractions of the event will be a live performance by Fuji musician, Alhaji Taye Currency.
The popular Fuji artiste is expected to headline the entertainment segment, adding a musical dimension to the culinary and lifestyle activities planned for the festival.
The culinary competition will also feature established professionals in the food industry, with Chef Amaka, Chef Dee and Chef T expected to serve as judges.
Chef Wendy said the judges would assess the competing chefs while sharing their expertise and professional experiences with the participants.
She explained that the competition was designed to encourage creativity, build confidence and provide young chefs with valuable exposure within the food and hospitality industry.
The convener said the festival was not solely about entertainment but was also created to support the growth of young culinary talents and food entrepreneurs.
She said participants would be able to demonstrate their culinary abilities, connect with established professionals, interact with potential customers and build relationships with other players in the sector.
According to her, the initiative would help draw attention to emerging talents whose creativity and innovation are contributing to the development of Nigeria’s culinary industry.
Chef Wendy, who is the founder of Wendy’s Kitchen and Wendy’s Culinary Hub, said her experience in the culinary space had strengthened her commitment to creating platforms that promote food creativity and provide opportunities for young chefs.
She said Ibadanchops’N’Chill was conceived as an avenue to bring together different segments of the culinary and creative industries while celebrating the richness and diversity of Nigerian food.
The event, she added, would create opportunities for networking, collaboration and cultural exchange among chefs, food entrepreneurs, creatives, influencers, media personalities and members of the public.
Chef Wendy noted that the growth of Nigeria’s food and hospitality industry had created opportunities for young people, stressing the need for platforms that could help them gain visibility and develop professionally.
She said the festival would place Nigerian flavours and culinary creativity at the centre of a memorable public experience.
She called on food lovers, chefs, creatives, media organisations, industry stakeholders and members of the public to attend the event and support the emerging culinary talents.