Abuja: The Naval Officers’ Wives Association (NOWA), in collaboration with renowned culinary expert Chef Ruddy, has provided training to students of NOWA Secondary School, Abuja, focusing on healthy cooking practices and innovative food preparation as part of the 2025 World Food Day celebrations. The event, themed ‘Water is Life, Water is Food: Leave No One Behind,’ aimed at promoting nutrition, peace, and inclusivity through culinary arts.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, the event featured practical demonstrations, interactive sessions, and a mini food competition to empower young learners with essential culinary and hygiene skills. Mrs. Zainab Akpan, Vice President of NOWA, emphasized the role of food beyond sustenance, highlighting its power to unify and build community. She noted that shared cooking and dining experiences can bridge divides and strengthen bonds, connecting people across diverse backgrounds and beliefs.
Akpan further articulated that the initiative aimed to impart the values of healthy living, discipline, and compassion in children, fostering a peaceful mindset through nourishment. She encouraged students to adopt healthy habits, engage in dialogue, and promote peace, likening a harmonious meal to peace itself, requiring ingredients like love, tolerance, and understanding.
Chef Ruth Ibrahim, known as Chef Ruddy, shared her motivation for engaging with schools to promote nutrition and sustainable food practices, inspired by the 2025 World Food and Chef Day. Her outreach covered ten schools in a week, culminating in this event, which she described as the most fulfilling. She urged students to develop an interest in culinary arts, responsibly manage food, and adopt healthy eating habits.
Commander Muktar Lawal, Commandant of NOWA Secondary School, praised the program as highly educative and timely. He noted that the lecture expanded the students’ knowledge of food hygiene and security, benefiting those studying Food and Nutrition in particular.
Students expressed their excitement over the practical lessons learned. Mariam Sidika shared her newfound knowledge of using specific chopping boards for different food types, while Ilyasu Abimaje found the experience inspiring, leading him to consider cooking as a skill.
The News Agency of Nigeria reports that the event underscored NOWA’s commitment to youth empowerment, peace education, and healthy living through creative and practical learning experiences. The interactive session concluded with students presenting their dishes and reflecting on the teamwork, hygiene, and creativity involved in food preparation.