The Hilda Baci Academy hosted its highly anticipated End-of-Year/Prize-Giving Ceremony for the “Home to Pro Christmas Cooking Class” on the 16th of December, 2024, bringing together culinary enthusiasts and industry leaders for an unforgettable celebration. With over 5,000 students graduating since the Academy’s inception three years ago, this year’s ceremony hosted more than 500 students who completed the transformative program.
The event, held at The Podium, Lekki, featured an inspiring keynote speech by renowned Hilda Baci, the Academy’s founder and founder of My FoodbyHilda, alongside engaging activities such as live culinary demonstrations, panel discussions, expert presentations and speeches, artistes performances and interactive cooking games. Students, partners, and supporters gathered to celebrate the growth and achievements of this year’s graduates.
The graduation ceremony featured a panel discussion moderated by Riyah Abdul and Illooise Omonhinmin, where Hilda Baci, alongside the class instructors Gbolabo Adebakin, also known as Chef Gibbs, Nelson Micheal, also known as Chef Cupid, and Mbadike Chioma Katherine founder of Chumpe’s pot, to discuss the theme “Turning Passion Into Plates: Building a Successful Culinary Career.” The discussion gave attendees valuable insights into leveraging culinary skills to achieve professional growth and financial independence.
Educational sessions added depth to the event, offering practical knowledge for entrepreneurial growth. Toyosi Alabi, Partner at Olaniwun Ajayi LP, delivered an insightful speech titled “From Startup to Scale-Up: How Legal Representation Drives Business Longevity.” Emmanuel Unimke Alasa provided critical financial guidance with his session on “Mastering Business Finances: Tax Laws, Revenue Calculation, and Bookkeeping Basics.” Nowe Isibor Segun-Ojo closed the session with her thought-provoking presentation, “Starting Small, Thinking Big: Applying Big Brand Principles to Your Early Journey.”
Reflecting on the Academy’s achievements, Hilda Baci shared in her keynote speech, “Our goal at the Hilda Baci Academy is to create a community where individuals feel empowered to grow beyond their current position. We aim to reach more people and provide the tools to scale their culinary dreams.”
The ceremony also celebrated excellence, with prizes awarded to outstanding students, including scholarships, culinary tools, and cash prizes, courtesy of event partners Gino, Bama, Viva Detergent, Aquafina and My Food by Hilda Restaurant. Among the biggest winners of the Night, Olanike Eunice won a cash prize of Ten million naira, Omonemu Oghenemaga won a brand new car, and other students won prizes such as one millionaire cash prizes, camera gadgets, iPads, cooking equipments, Laptops, smartphones, and a year’s supply of Gino, Aquafina and Viva Detergent.
Attendees were also treated to a culinary demonstration by Hilda Baci, showcasing her renowned expertise and creativity in the kitchen. This was followed by interactive cooking games sponsored by Gino Peppered Chicken, which engaged attendees in a fun competition.
Alongside other hosts, were on air personalities, Laura Iheke and Charles Born. Entertainment took centre stage as the event ended with thrilling performances by Spyro, Rybeena, Kashcoming, Gillian Baci, Fazil, and sensational Twin DJs, Wanni X Handi. Other notable personalities in attendance are event and TV host Kiekie, creative designer, Veekee James, content creator and influencer Enioluwa,budding music artiste Qing Madi, Celebrity Chef and content creator Chef Tee, content creator and influencer Hauwa, influencer and event host Tomike and a host of others.
The success of this year’s ceremony underscores the Academy’s commitment to nurturing the next generation of culinary talent. As the Hilda Hilda Baci Academy grows, it remains a beacon of hope and opportunity for aspiring chefs in Nigeria and worldwide.
