This post has already been read 2203 times!

ABUJA – A major investment in skills development and youth entrepreneurship has seen no fewer than 132 young Nigerians graduate from a fully funded culinary scholarship programme organised by Dine and Pack Culinary Institute (DAPCI) in partnership with the Young Women for the Future Empowerment Initiative.

The programme, sponsored by Princess Atika Ajanah and spearheaded by the Chief Executive Officer of Dine and Pack Limited, Ambassador Shetu J. Gamaliel, popularly known as Chef Mimi, culminated in a colourful graduation ceremony on June 14, 2026, where beneficiaries received professional certifications alongside startup grants and equipment to launch their culinary careers.

The initiative attracted 143 participants from across Nigeria and members of the diaspora, providing intensive training in professional cookery, pastry production, desserts, artisanal pasta making, and both local and international cuisines.

Organisers described the scholarship as a strategic intervention aimed at reducing youth unemployment by equipping aspiring entrepreneurs with marketable vocational skills and the resources needed to establish sustainable businesses.

A key driver of the programme was Project100, the Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) platform of Dine and Pack Culinary Institute, which coordinated participant support and ensured trainees acquired practical competencies that meet international culinary standards.

The graduation ceremony drew prominent personalities from Nigeria and across Africa, including representatives of World Chefs (World Association of Chefs’ Societies), the Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the Association of Professional Chefs Nigeria (APCN), as well as presidents of chefs’ associations from Ghana, Cameroon and Sierra Leone.

One of the highlights of the event was the recognition of Lovelyn Odivwri, a visually impaired graduate whose determination inspired participants and guests alike.

Despite the challenges posed by her disability, Odivwri successfully completed the rigorous training programme and emerged as one of its outstanding graduates. In recognition of her resilience and exceptional performance, she received a ₦1 million business startup grant, an industrial oven, an industrial gas burner, an additional ₦200,000 cash award and other gift items.

In another significant boost to youth entrepreneurship, Seyi Tinubu supported all 132 graduates with ₦200,000 each, amounting to a total of ₦26.4 million in direct financial assistance.

Outstanding graduating students and participants recognised for exemplary conduct and punctuality also received industrial ovens and industrial gas burners, while every graduate left the ceremony with at least one major piece of professional equipment or a valuable business support package.

To further strengthen the graduates’ entrepreneurial journey, the Managing Director of Seal Energy, Mrs. Jessica Olutayo, announced the availability of zero-interest business loans for beneficiaries seeking to establish or expand their culinary ventures.

The training programme was delivered by an experienced faculty assembled by Chef Mimi, including Chef Saafoodyabuja, Chef Monica, Chef Debby, Chef Rita, Chef Esther and Chef Goody, who guided participants through intensive practical sessions and theoretical assessments.

The successful execution of the programme was coordinated by the institute’s administrative team, led by Chinwendu Joy Ugwuanyi and Tersoo Moses Pev, whose planning ensured smooth operations throughout the two training cohorts.

Industry observers say the initiative demonstrates the growing role of private-sector partnerships in driving vocational education, enterprise development and inclusive economic growth.

With more than 130 newly trained chefs entering the hospitality industry equipped with professional skills, startup capital and business equipment, Dine and Pack Culinary Institute and its partners have reinforced the importance of practical skills acquisition as a catalyst for job creation, wealth generation and sustainable economic development in Nigeria.