The Mboho Ndito Ibibio Washington DC, USA Chapter has empowered 10 Akwa Ibom citizens with vocational skills, as two beneficiaries sponsored by the organisation graduated from IdyJay Kitchen Culinary School, Uyo over on Wednesday.
The skills acquisition initiative covered two beneficiaries trained in culinary arts, two in masonry and tiling, four in fashion designing and two in plumbing.
Representing the organisation at the graduation ceremony, its liaison officer in Akwa Ibom State, Mrs Theresa Ekemini Donatus, said the programme reflected the group's belief that practical skills are a critical investment in human capital and community development.
She congratulated the graduating chefs, urging them to see their certificates as the beginning of their professional journey.
“Today is a testimony to the power of opportunity, determination and hard work,” Donatus said, advising the graduates to continue learning, remain creative and turn their culinary skills into sustainable livelihoods.
She particularly charged them to uphold food safety, hygiene and quality, while appreciating IdyJay Kitchen Culinary School for its role in training the beneficiaries.
The intervention by Mboho Ndito Ibibio Washington DC Chapter provides beneficiaries with practical skills that can support employment, entrepreneurship and income generation.
The graduation of the two culinary trainees Enwono Udeme Offiong from Ibesikpo Asutan LGA and Grace Daniel Umoh, from Onna Local government Area, all Ibibio extraction, therefore marks the completion of one component of the broader empowerment programme.
The organisation, through its President, Ukoiden Ibok Essema, and Programme Committee Chairperson, Dr Grace Inyang, charged the beneficiaries to be good ambassador of Mboho Ndito Ibibio Washington DC USA chapter, also expressed appreciation to IdyJay Kitchen Culinary School for its contribution while encouraging the graduates to uphold professionalism, honesty, food safety, quality and continuous learning as they begin their careers.
They made it known that the organisation's ultimate objective of the intervention was not merely to train beneficiaries but to equip them with practical competencies capable of translating into sustainable livelihoods, self-employment and improved economic opportunities in Akwa Ibom.
Advising the graduates, Chef Ojah Emezumana Ikpi also known as Chef Mina, encouraged them to pursue additional food-safety certifications, remain committed to continuous learning and protect the reputation of the culinary profession.
She urged the new chefs to understand their worth, price their services appropriately and avoid compromising quality for clients.
According to her, professional chefs must master their craft, deliver consistently and ensure that the quality of their work matches what they promise customers.
She also advised them to manage stress, prioritise their well-being and guard against burnout, noting that the hospitality industry can be physically and mentally demanding.
The Chief Executive Officer of IdyJay Kitchen Culinary School and food scientist, Chef Idara Emmanuel, urged the graduates to focus on practical competence rather than relying solely on their certificates.
She explained that professional kitchens often assess chefs through practical tasks, including cooking, food preparation and their ability to work efficiently under pressure.
“Practical skill and hands-on experience matter more than a piece of paper in the culinary world,” she said.
She identified speed, taste, technical skill, consistency and hygiene as important qualities employers and clients look for in professional chefs.
Chef Idara also emphasised food safety and personal hygiene, stressing that chefs handle food consumed by other people and therefore have a direct responsibility for public health.
She urged the graduates to prepare healthy meals, maintain high hygiene standards and avoid compromising quality.
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