CALABAR (CONVERSEER) – 10-year-old Esther Okon Archibong, a pupil at Icon International Nursery/Primary School in Calabar, has emerged as the winner of the inaugural Calabar Kiddies Chef Boss competition, a culinary contest held in celebration of the International Day of the African Child.
The event attracted participants aged 8 to 12 from Nursery, Primary and Junior Secondary Schools across the Calabar metropolis. It was hosted at Harmonic Fast Food, Calabar, weekend, under the supervision of the Calabar Chefs Association.
During the competition, the young contestants showcased their culinary skills by preparing fried rice, each putting a unique spin on this popular dish. The participants incorporated various ingredients and cooking techniques in hopes of impressing the three judges.
Archibong clinched her victory after an intense second-round competition, earning a star prize of ₦150,000 along with a complete chef’s regalia. Stephanie Ayim from Marygold International Schools was the first runner-up, taking 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 from Akim Akim Model High School, Calabar who placed fourth and fifth, respectively.
Speaking prior to announcing the winners, Chief Judge 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 emphasised the importance of professionalism in the cooking industry. Addressing the contestants, he said, “This is the time to start grooming our chefs for the business.”
Chef Eyibio, assisted by Chef Offiong Mark and Chef Mary Etorty, encouraged the young chefs to envision themselves as future leaders in Nigeria’s hospitality sector, urging them to always strive for success and excellence in their future endeavours.
In her remarks, the Chief Executive Officer of “Calabar Kiddies Chef Boss” and Director of Goldgear Group, the event’s organisers, Mrs Oluchi Wonder, described each contestant as a star in creativity, courage, and enthusiasm – attributes that genuinely impressed her and extended the Group’s congratulations to the winners.
“You’ve earned your place through skill, focus, and hard work,” she said. “But 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 (pun intended!), and keep learning. Use this victory as fuel to grow, improve, and reach even greater heights.”
Mrs Oluchi emphasised that “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,” she added, promising an even bigger and better event next year.
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.
