Today is International Chefs Day, set aside to honour the culinary masters who have protected the value of food and are passing on the same message to future generations.

The day celebrates the culinary arts and recognises the hard work and dedication that chefs put into their craft. If you know a chef, be sure to thank them for their delicious creations. And if you’re a chef yourself, take pride in knowing that your skills are appreciated by people all over the world.

The theme for this year is “Growing A Healthy Future,” The idea behind this theme is to ensure a healthy and sustainable planet for future generations. This can happen when we teach them the value of food and its impact on the environment.

The day was established in 2004 by the World Association of Cooks Societies to recognise the contributions that chefs make to society, to celebrate their profession and to promote culinary education and training.

Marking the day in Lagos State, the Lagos State Technical and Vocational Education Board, LASTVEB held an event to celebrate the day with participants drawn from both public and private schools among which is Lagos Culinary Academy, Government Technical College, Agidingbi which also doubles up as the host of the event.

Welcoming all participants, LASTVEB Executive Secretary, Moronke Azeez said the theme of this year’s celebration “Growing a Healthy Future” calls for deeper focus on the worldly eating habit and sustainability of existence and healthy environment for future generation.

She said “having Lagos Culinary Academy as the Venue is a testament that Lagos Culinary Academy, Government Technical College, Agidingbi, is of International standard, modern and fully fitted with fifty individual workstations, theoretical training space and a food presentation area to harness the opportunities that abound in the hospitality industry.

Azeez appreciated Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu for his passion for Technical and Vocational Education, saying the investment in the Academy is huge which makes it possible for many to utilise the Centre for creative purpose, the Academy according to her is for qualitative training with best equipment.

She also appreciated Nestlé Professionals for being the major partner/sponsor of the event, noting that the celebration is the beginning of long lasting partnership with Nestlé Nigeria PLC in all areas to further develop culinary vocation.

In her speech, Nestlé Professionals’ Business Manager, Funmi Osineye, mentioned Nestle’s commitment to partner with LASTVEB in all ramifications to develop Culinary vocation in the Academy.

According to LASTVEB Deputy Director, Public Affairs, Muinat Adeleke-Asimi, the major aspects of the celebration is creation of chef act as exhibted by students and the engagement and training by professional Chefs while cooking as the event is a learning platform to groom the future generation of Chefs.