Wife of the Anambra State Governor, Dr Nonye Soludo, says there is a need to equip children with skills to prepare nutritious meals to discourage their reliance on junk food.
Soludo stated this on Saturday at the 2025 Healthy Living Cooking and Quiz Competition held in Awka.
She explained that the initiative was borne out of concern that many young people lack basic cooking skills, a gap that often pushes them towards unhealthy eating habits with attendant health challenges.
According to her, exposing children early to healthy eating habits would help safeguard their wellbeing.
“Teaching young people how to prepare healthy food at their formative stage is key to protecting their health and preserving our fast-fading food culture.
“I am satisfied with the outcome of the competition and the emergence of a male student as winner underscores the need for parents to avoid assigning household chores along gender lines.
“I urge parents to give children equal training and opportunities at home to help them grow at the same pace and live more independent lives,” she said.
At the event, a male student, Ikechukwu Ifechukwu of St. Charles College, Onitsha, emerged winner of the competition.
Ifechukwu defeated female contestants from schools in Aguata and Nnewi zones, who emerged second and third respectively.
The contestants selected their recipes and prepared assorted delicacies from start to finish within one hour and 20 minutes.
They were judged based on hygiene, taste, presentation and service.
Earlier, the Commissioner for Health, Dr Afam Obidike, said the competition was designed to inculcate the values of healthy eating, discipline, teamwork and creativity through practical cooking and nutrition education.
Obidike noted that the initiative also stimulates interest in careers in nutrition and hospitality, and encourages young people to embrace wellness as a lifestyle.
Speaking after receiving his prize, Ifechukwu thanked the governor’s wife for creating a platform for students to learn and showcase their cooking skills.
He attributed his success to lessons from his mother, who taught him the rudiments of cooking.
The event also featured a quiz competition involving students from the six education zones in the state.
In the final results, Nnewi zone emerged first, followed by Otuocha and Aguata in second and third positions respectively.
Soludo presented cash gifts to the winners.