Male Student Emerges Winner as Anambra First Lady’s 2025 Healthy Living Cooking Competition Records Major Upset
The 2025 Healthy Living Cooking Competition organised by the Wife of the Anambra State Governor, Dr Nonye Soludo, recorded a major surprise on Friday as a male student, Ikechukwu Ifechukwu, clinched the overall winner’s prize, defeating several female contestants in the keenly contested event.
Akahi News gathered that the competition, which held at the Light House, Awka, brought together students from different education zones across the state, showcasing culinary skills rooted in healthy and indigenous food practices.
Male Student Outshines Rivals
Ifechukwu, a student of St Charles College, Onitsha, alongside his cooking partner, represented the Onitsha education zone and emerged victorious after outclassing contestants from Aguata and Nnewi zones, who finished second and third respectively.
Participants were required to independently select their recipes and prepare a range of delicacies from start to finish within a strict time frame of one hour and twenty minutes. Akahi News learnt that judges assessed the students on hygiene standards, taste of food, presentation, dishing techniques, and service manners.
The unexpected victory of a male contestant drew loud applause and excitement from the audience, further reinforcing the competition’s broader message on equality and life skills.
Why the Competition Was Created
Speaking during the event, the Anambra First Lady, Dr Nonye Soludo, explained that the initiative was born out of concern over the inability of many young people to prepare healthy meals, a trend she said has contributed to increased consumption of junk food and related health challenges.
According to her, nutrition remains a critical pillar of the healthy living campaign she is championing across the state. Akahi News gathered that the competition was deliberately designed to expose children early to healthy food preparation.
“Teaching young people to eat healthy food early in their formative stages is key to protecting their health and preserving the dying culture of our people,” Dr Soludo said.
Call for Equal Training at Home
Expressing delight at the outcome of the competition, Dr Soludo urged parents to avoid assigning household chores based on gender. She stressed that children should be given equal training and opportunities to help them grow at the same pace.
According to her, such balanced upbringing will enable young people to live independent lives without overdependence on others. Akahi News observed that her remarks were widely applauded by parents and educators present at the event.
Health Commissioner Highlights Broader Benefits
Earlier, the State Commissioner for Health, Dr Afam Obidike, noted that the competition was envisioned not only to teach healthy eating but also to instil discipline, teamwork, and creativity through practical cooking and nutrition education.
He added that the programme promotes indigenous foods, sparks interest in careers related to nutrition and hospitality, and encourages students to embrace wellness as a lifestyle rather than a temporary habit.
Winner Shares Emotional Story
Speaking after receiving his prize, Master Ikechukwu Ifechukwu expressed gratitude to the wife of the governor for creating a platform that allows young people to learn and showcase their talents.
He fondly recalled his mother’s commitment while teaching him the basics of cooking, noting that he paid close attention to her lessons without imagining that the skill would one day bring him recognition.
“For me, it is another reason to thank the governor’s wife and my mother for her diligence in teaching me how to prepare healthy meals,” he said.
“I am impressed and very happy that I won today. I believe all these exposures are geared towards healthy living.”
Healthy Living Quiz Also Held
Akahi News gathered that the event also featured a Healthy Living Quiz at the Banquet Hall of the Light House, with students from the six education zones in the state participating.
At the end of the contest, Nnewi zone emerged first, followed by Otuocha in second place and Aguata in third. The governor’s wife also presented cash gifts to winners, coordinators, and champions of the Healthy Living Club across schools in the state.
The 2025 edition of the competition has once again highlighted Anambra State’s commitment to youth development, nutrition education, and healthy living, while challenging long-held stereotypes around gender roles.
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