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ABUJA, NIGERIA – In a landmark initiative aimed at tackling youth unemployment and promoting vocational excellence, the Dine and Pack Culinary Institute (DAPCI), in partnership with the Young Women for the Future Empowerment Initiative, has successfully graduated 132 beneficiaries under a fully funded culinary scholarship programme.
The initiative, which culminated in a colourful graduation ceremony held on June 14, 2026, is being hailed as one of Nigeria’s most impactful private-sector driven empowerment programmes, equipping young Nigerians with professional culinary skills, startup equipment, and financial support to launch their businesses.
The scholarship scheme, sponsored by Princess Atika Ajanah and implemented under the leadership of the Chief Executive Officer of Dine and Pack Limited, Ambassador Shetu J. Gamaliel, popularly known as Chef Mimi, attracted 143 participants from across Nigeria and even from the diaspora.
Speaking at the graduation ceremony in Abuja, stakeholders described the programme as a model for sustainable youth empowerment and economic inclusion, noting that it demonstrates the transformative potential of vocational education in addressing unemployment and poverty.
Project100 Drives Training Success
A major driving force behind the programme’s success was Project100, the Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) arm of Dine and Pack Culinary Institute, which played a pivotal role in mentoring and supporting participants throughout the intensive training period.
The initiative ensured that beneficiaries underwent rigorous professional development, equipping them with practical and entrepreneurial skills required to excel in the culinary industry.
International Recognition and Continental Participation
The graduation ceremony attracted high-profile dignitaries and international culinary leaders, underscoring the growing reputation of DAPCI as a centre of excellence in culinary education.
Among those present were representatives of World Chefs, the global association of culinary professionals, the Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the Association of Professional Chefs Nigeria (APCN), as well as delegations led by the presidents of chefs’ associations from Ghana, Cameroon and Sierra Leone.
Their presence highlighted the continental significance of the programme and the increasing recognition of Nigerian culinary training standards.
Inspiring Story of Determination
One of the most emotional moments of the ceremony was the recognition of Ms. Lovelyn Odivwri, a visually impaired student whose determination and resilience earned her special honours.
Despite the challenges associated with her disability, Odivwri successfully completed the intensive programme and emerged as one of the outstanding graduates.
In recognition of her exceptional achievement, she received a ₦1 million startup grant, an industrial oven, an industrial gas burner, an additional ₦200,000 cash prize and other gift items to support her entrepreneurial journey.
Her story drew widespread admiration from guests and fellow graduates, serving as a powerful testament to the programme’s commitment to inclusivity and equal opportunity.
Massive Financial Support for Graduates
In a surprise announcement that electrified the ceremony, all 132 graduates were presented with financial and material support packages designed to facilitate their immediate entry into the culinary business sector.
Prominent youth advocate Seyi Tinubu donated ₦200,000 to each of the graduates, amounting to a total disbursement of ₦26.4 million.
In addition, the best graduating students and participants recognised for exceptional punctuality and character received industrial ovens and industrial gas burners, while every graduate went home with at least one major piece of equipment or valuable gift item.
Further boosting the graduates’ entrepreneurial prospects, the Managing Director of Seal Energy, Mrs. Jessica Olutayo, announced the provision of zero-interest loans for participants seeking to establish and expand their culinary businesses.
Rigorous Training and World-Class Instruction
The scholarship programme, which ran through April and May, exposed participants to intensive theoretical and practical training modules, including local and international cuisine preparation, pastry production, desserts and artisanal pasta making.
The programme featured a team of renowned culinary instructors, including Chef Saafoodyabuja, Chef Monica, Chef Debby, Chef Rita, Chef Esther and Chef Goody, all assembled by Chef Mimi to deliver world-class training.
Behind the scenes, the institute’s administrative team, led by Chinwendu Joy Ugwuanyi and Tersoo Moses Pev, coordinated the two cohorts and ensured the seamless execution of the large-scale training exercise.
A New Benchmark for Youth Empowerment
Stakeholders at the event commended Dine and Pack Culinary Institute and its partners for setting a new standard in corporate social responsibility and vocational empowerment in Nigeria.
With 132 newly trained chefs now fully equipped with professional skills, startup capital and business tools, the initiative has demonstrated how strategic partnerships and targeted vocational programmes can create jobs, empower young people and contribute significantly to national development.
As the beneficiaries embark on their professional journeys, the Dine and Pack Culinary Institute’s scholarship programme stands as a compelling example of how investment in skills acquisition can transform lives and strengthen Nigeria’s growing entrepreneurial ecosystem.
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