Ibadan Chops ‘n’ Chill 2.0: Over 10,000 Food Enthusiasts, Local, International Chefs Set For Event

No fewer than 10,000 food enthusiasts as well as local and international chefs are expected to grace the second edition of the “Ibadan Chops ‘n’ Chill” culinary event slated for December 1, 2024 at the Recreation Club, Eleyele, Ibadan.

The Chief Executive Officer of Chef Wendy’s Kitchen and the convener of Ibadan Chops ‘n’ Chill, Chef Chinwendu Festus Wendy the event will be more than just a food festival, as it will offer another opportunity to celebrate flavours and culinary talents in Ibadan and its environs

According to her, participants expected to savor the city’s finest cuisines at the epoch making occasion, comprises music artistes, photographers, videographers, brand managers and ambassadors, event planners, chefs, food vendors, fun seekers among others

She disclosed this at the weekend during a press conference held at the Nextgen event center, Bodija ,Ibadan to update newsmen and other critical stakeholders about the forthcoming event which she said would serve as a springboard for local chefs while positioning Ibadan as a culinary powerhouse within Nigeria’s burgeoning fast-food industry.

Chef Wendy said ” Ibadan Chops ‘n’ Chill” is a culinary event that started in the year 2023 with the aim of showcasing local talents in culinary businesses, as well as positioning Ibadan City to the world as a culinary powerhouse within Nigeria’s growing fast food industry.

She noted that as of 2023, Ibadan was valued at a staggering N250 billion, which is around $602.5 million by the Association of Fast-Food Confectioners of Nigeria (AFFCON).
Chef Wendy

The world class chef hinted that the first edition held at the Ibadan Polo Club, Eleyele, Ibadan recorded huge success promising that this year’s edition of the event codenamed “Ibadan Chops ‘n’ Chills 2.0” a memorable experience.

“Ibadan Chops ‘n’ Chill event is on a mission to create a platform for talented chefs to emerge through healthy food cooking competitions where winners will be going home with cash prizes, sponsorship deal into culinary school, empowerment with cooking utensils among others. This event will further establish Ibadan as a culinary force to be reckoned with in Nigeria.

“This second edition of Ibadan Chop ‘n’ Chill” promises to be a feast for both the medium and upper classes in the society, as it will offer an irresistible assortment of culinary delights, workshops, competitions, and
entertainment. The event will feature an extensive selection of delectable dishes from both local and international cuisines.

“Indigenous and international chefs will all gather under one roof, ready to delight and entice taste buds. Expert chefs will lead engaging cooking workshops, revealing their culinary styles and demonstrate how effortless it is to craft exceptional dishes.

“It’s understandable the situation we found ourselves in this country today and as youths, we need to take the bull by the horns, our future lies in our hands, we must be able to embrace change, there are always opportunities in difficult situations, that is why my team and I will always work to ensure that we do all we can in our little capacity to assist some youths that have potentials, youths that have burning passion for this culinary business, these among other reasons are our driven force and we are committed to this project towards ensuring it’s sustainability.

“The overwhelming reactions and feedbacks we received just after the first edition of Ibadan Chops ‘n’ Chill in 2023, showed that the event has become a global phenomenon, as international media houses started reaching out to us for special reports on culinary business in Nigeria, I have granted several interviews for both international dailies and magazines, have attended different engagements both within and outside the country, this has not only added to my experience on this job but has also exposed me more and has further renewed my energy to give more to the society through this project, so for now I’m glad to say that Ibadan Chops ‘n’ Chill has become an annual event.

“She commended the state government , especially the state Ministry of Youths and Sports, the Oyo State Agency for Youth Development and the Office of the State House Committee on Youth Development, the media and all other critical stakeholders for the support towards ensuring the success of the event.

In her remarks, the Oyo State Commissioner for Youth and Sports, Oyo State, Wasilat Adegoke applauded the organizers for promoting cultural exchange, entertainment, and economic growth through the innovative event.

The Commissioner who was represented by one of her aides, Maryam Kareem said the Ibadan Chops and Chill 2.0 will showcase the city’s vibrant spirit, rich heritage, and culinary delights.

“Our administration remains committed to supporting youth-driven initiatives,
fostering creative entrepreneurship,
enhancing community engagement and
Promoting cultural preservation”, She added

In a goodwill messages, a renowned Chef, Tawab called on government at all levels, private individuals and organizations to support the initiative which would help create job opportunities for unemployed youth in the country.