As Lagos continues its drive to become Africa’s leading tourism and hospitality destination, the state government is investing in developing the next generation of chefs and hospitality professionals through the Lagos Boy Child Initiative.
At the 2026 prize-giving ceremony of the initiative’s Cooking Competition, First Lady Dr. (Mrs.) Claudiana Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu said the state’s expanding tourism economy would require a steady pipeline of skilled workers to serve hotels, restaurants, resorts, event centres, cruise operations and international hospitality brands.
“Our State is steadily positioning itself as Africa’s preferred destination for tourism, hospitality, entertainment, culture and creative enterprise,” she said. “As this vision unfolds, the demand for skilled professionals across the hospitality industry will continue to grow.”
To give participants firsthand industry exposure, the ceremony was held at the Lagos Marriott Hotel, where the boys toured commercial kitchens, interacted with professional chefs and observed international culinary standards in practice.
In a further boost to their development, the First Lady announced that the competition winners would represent the Lagos Boy Child Initiative at the Jollof Cooking Competition during the Akwaaba African Travel Market on September 13, 2026.
READ: Africa: Lagos First Lady Partners Akwaaba to Expand Boy Child Initiative Across Africa
The partnership with Akwaaba African Travel Market will provide the young chefs with a platform to compete alongside established culinary talents, network with hospitality professionals and showcase their skills before a wider audience.
Earlier, the winners were hosted to a fine-dining experience at Wakame Restaurant inside the Lagos Marriott Hotel, where they gained insight into professional food preparation and restaurant operations.
Dr. Sanwo-Olu said exposing the boys to world-class hospitality facilities at an early stage would inspire them to pursue careers capable of supporting Lagos’ growing tourism and hospitality industry.
