Onitsha Schoolboy Outshines Peers in Anambra Culinary Showdown

In a striking turn of events that challenged deep-seated social norms, Master Ikechukwu Ifechukwu, a student from St. Charles College, Onitsha, claimed the ultimate prize at the recently concluded Anambra State Cooking Competition. The grand finale, held in the bustling capital of Awka, drew a diverse crowd of educators, students, and government officials, most of whom expected a traditional outcome. Instead, they witnessed a young man dismantle the stereotype that the kitchen remains a feminine domain.

Representing the Onitsha zone with precision and flair, Ifechukwu’s victory sent ripples through the venue. The competition was not merely about flavor; it was a rigorous test of discipline and technical skill. A panel of judges meticulously scored each participant on a strict rubric that included environmental hygiene, the depth of the food’s flavor profile, the aesthetics of the final plating, and the professional manner in which the meal was served.

Each contestant was granted the freedom to select their own signature recipe, choosing from a rich array of local delicacies. However, the pressure was intensified by a grueling clock. Every chef had exactly one hour and twenty minutes to transform raw ingredients into a finished masterpiece, handling every stage of the process from the first chop to the final garnish. Under this ticking clock, Ifechukwu maintained a level of composure that ultimately set him apart from his peers.

The competition was fierce, featuring the top culinary talents from various regions across the state. While Ifechukwu took the gold, the silver and bronze positions were secured by female contestants representing the Aguata and Nnewi zones. These young women delivered exceptional performances, yet they were unable to surpass the technical excellence displayed by the Onitsha representative. The results underscored a significant shift in how vocational skills are being embraced by the younger generation regardless of gender.

Dr. Nonye Soludo, the First Lady of Anambra State, served as the guest of honor and used the occasion to address a growing concern in modern parenting. She noted that the initiative was born out of a desire to correct a “disturbing anomaly” where many young people are entering adulthood without the basic ability to prepare nutritious, healthy meals for themselves. This lack of domestic literacy, she suggested, poses a long-term risk to the health and self-sufficiency of the youth.

Throughout her address, Dr. Soludo praised Ifechukwu’s victory as a symbolic win for equality in the home. She spoke passionately about the dangers of gender-coded domestic roles, arguing that such divisions limit the potential of children. By secluding certain chores for one sex, parents inadvertently deprive their children of essential life skills. Her message was clear: a boy who can cook and a girl who can lead are both better prepared for the complexities of the modern world.

The First Lady urged parents across the state to adopt a more inclusive approach to home training. She emphasized that providing children with the same opportunities and responsibilities ensures they develop at an equal pace. This balanced upbringing is not just about fairness; it is about survival and independence. In her view, the ability to cook is a fundamental tool for living an independent life, ensuring that no individual has to rely entirely on others for their basic sustenance.

As the ceremony concluded, the atmosphere in Awka was one of celebration and reflection. Ifechukwu’s win has sparked a broader conversation in Anambra about the evolving roles of men and women in society. For the students of St. Charles College, he is a hero who brought home a trophy. For the state, he serves as a living example that when the playing field is level, talent knows no gender. The event ended not just with a trophy being hoisted, but with a renewed call for a society where capability is the only metric that matters.