Awka, Anambra State – The culinary skills of Anambra State’s secondary school students were on full display at the Healthy Living Cooking Competition 2.0, where Mrs. Nonye Soludo, the First Lady of Anambra, celebrated the participants’ commitment to natural cooking. The competition, held to foster a culture of healthy eating among the youth, saw Awka Zone emerge as the champion, securing a prize of N250,000 along with gold medals.
Mrs. Soludo, who has been a staunch advocate for healthy living, lauded the winners, participants, ambassadors, and judges for their exemplary role in educating young minds about the importance of nutrition. “This competition is a pivotal part of our ‘Healthy Living with Nonye Soludo’ initiative,” she stated, emphasizing the need to embrace diets free from harmful chemicals and additives.
The First Lady’s praise was particularly directed at the innovative and creative cooking methods employed by the students, who used only natural ingredients. “Cooking with nature’s bounty is not just about taste; it’s about ensuring we live long, healthy lives free from ailments caused by unknown substances,” Mrs. Soludo remarked, highlighting the significance of their approach to cooking.
She also extended her gratitude towards the Healthy Living Ambassadors for their role in guiding the students to this level of culinary proficiency. Mrs. Soludo expressed her hope that the knowledge and skills imparted through this competition would ripple out to influence other young individuals across Anambra State.
The event was more than just a competition; it was a testament to the community’s dedication to health and wellness. The vibrant atmosphere and enthusiastic participation underscored a collective commitment to fostering a generation that values health as much as education.
The competition saw students from various zones of Anambra State compete, each bringing their unique flavors and cooking techniques to the table. The judges, composed of renowned chefs and nutritionists, evaluated the dishes based on taste, presentation, and adherence to healthy cooking principles.
Mrs. Soludo’s vision for Anambra State includes creating an environment where health education is as crucial as academic learning. She believes that by starting with the youth, the state can gradually transform its approach to diet and lifestyle, combating issues like obesity and chronic diseases.
The success of Awka Zone was celebrated not just for the prize but for the message it sent about the feasibility of healthy, natural cooking in everyday life. Their dishes, which included a variety of local and exotic ingredients, were a hit among the judges and spectators alike.
The competition also served as an educational platform where students learned about the nutritional value of ingredients, the importance of balanced diets, and the impact of diet on health. This hands-on experience is expected to encourage students to continue exploring and advocating for healthy living habits.
In her closing remarks, Mrs. Soludo reiterated her commitment to continuing such initiatives, aiming to make Anambra a model state for healthy living in Nigeria. She encouraged all schools to integrate healthy living practices into their curriculum, ensuring that the next generation grows up with a strong foundation in health consciousness.
