By Onwa Ekor
10-year-old Esther Okon Archibongs, a pupil of Icon International Nursery/Primary School in Calabar, has emerged winner of the maiden Calabar Kiddies Chef Boss competition.
The event was a culinary contest supervised by Calabar Chefs Association in celebration of the International Day of the African Child which attracted participants aged 8 to 12 from nursery and junior secondary schools in Calabar.
During the competition, the young contestants showcased their culinary skills by preparing fried rice, each putting a unique spin on the popular dish.
The participants incorporated various ingredients and cooking techniques in hopes of impressing the three judges.
Esther clinched her victory after an intense second round competition, earning a star prize of ₦150,000 along with a complete chef regalia.
Stephanie Ayim from Marygold International Schools was the first runner-up, carting home ₦100,000, while Miss Bright Offiong Etim of Icon International Schools, secured ₦50,000 as the second runner-up.
Consolation prizes were awarded to Master Harold Utip Ekaluo and Juliana Mojisola, both students of Akim Akim Model High School, Calabar who polled fourth and fifth positions respectively.
Chief Judge of the event and renowned chef in Calabar, Chef Okon Effiong Eyibio, expressed his admiration for the enthusiasm demonstrated by the young contestants during the two rounds of competition.
He thanked parents for nurturing culinary skills in their children and emphasized the importance of professionalism in the cooking industry.
“This is the time to start grooming our chefs for the business,” Eyibio said.
Chief Executive Officer of Calabar Kiddies Chef Boss and Director, Goldgear Group, Mrs. Oluchi Wonder, described each contestant as a star in creativity, courage, and enthusiasm, reasoning that, these were attributes that genuinely impressed her by the winners.
“You have earned your place through skill, focus and hard work,” she said, maintaining that “beyond the applause and prize money, remember that this is only the beginning, let this moment ignite a fire within you, stay humble, stay hungry and keep learning.
“Use this victory as fuel to grow, improve, and reach even greater heights.
“Kiddies Chef Boss is more than just a competition; it is a movement that believes in the potential of young minds, hands, and dreams.
“Together, we are shaping a generation of bold, creative, and confident children through culinary services as we promise a bigger and better event next year,” Wonder said.
The CEO expressed her gratitude to the sponsors especially Harmonics Fast Food and the Calabar Chef Association, as well as her dedicated team members for their passion, commitment, and countless hours of work in providing the children with a platform to shine.
