In a bold move to foster economic independence and uplift underrepresented groups, the Hon. Okey Joe Foundation has launched a groundbreaking women and youth empowerment initiative, focusing on skills acquisition and entrepreneurship development. As part of this broader empowerment agenda, the foundation organized an exciting cooking contest, offering significant cash prizes and household equipment to encourage participants and celebrate their culinary talents.

The foundation, renowned for its unwavering commitment to uplifting vulnerable groups, introduced this cooking contest as a platform to showcase culinary creativity while also equipping women and youth with essential skills that can lead to financial independence.

Promoting Skills Acquisition and Economic Independence

At the heart of the Hon. Okey Joe Foundation’s empowerment efforts is a focus on practical skills that enable participants to establish sustainable businesses. The initiative provides training in various vocational areas such as catering, fashion design, and crafts, but the cooking contest was a key highlight of this year’s program.

Speaking at the event, Hon. Prince Okey-Joe Jesse Onuakalusi, founder of the Hon. Okey Joe Foundation, emphasized the importance of skills acquisition for women and youth, stating:
“By equipping our women and youth with practical skills, we are empowering them to take control of their futures. We believe that skills acquisition is the foundation for economic independence, and this initiative is designed to give them the tools and resources they need to succeed.”

Cooking Contest Highlights

The cooking contest was not only a celebration of local culinary skills but also an opportunity to motivate participants toward entrepreneurship in the food industry. Contestants showcased their best dishes, prepared with creativity and attention to local tastes, competing for impressive prizes that included cash awards and kitchen appliances.

The first-place winner walked away with a grand prize of ₦150,000, while the second-place contestant received a free-standing cooker. Other prizes included kitchen equipment and utensils, ensuring that all participants left with valuable tools to support their budding careers.

The cooking contest also highlighted the foundation’s commitment to promoting financial independence among women, encouraging them to turn their cooking talents into viable business opportunities. The winners expressed their gratitude, with many participants noting that the prizes would help them start or expand their small food businesses.

Impacting Lives through Entrepreneurship Development

In addition to the cooking contest, the Hon. Okey Joe Foundation is continuing to support women and youth with entrepreneurship development programs. These include business management training, financial literacy workshops, and mentorship opportunities to help them succeed in their chosen fields.

The foundation believes that by creating platforms for women and youth to showcase their skills and receive the necessary financial and material support, they will be better positioned to contribute to their households and communities.

A Brighter Future for Women and Youth

The Hon. Okey Joe Foundation’s empowerment initiative is not just about one-time competitions or events—it represents a long-term commitment to uplifting women and youth across Oshodi-Isolo II and beyond. Through skills acquisition, entrepreneurship support, and exciting contests like the cooking competition, the foundation is empowering individuals to take charge of their futures.

“We are proud to be a part of this transformation,” said Onuakalusi. “Our women and youth have incredible potential, and we will continue to provide them with the resources they need to thrive.”

The success of the cooking contest and the broader skills acquisition program showcases the foundation’s dedication to making a tangible impact in the lives of women and youth, promoting economic empowerment, and fostering a culture of self-reliance and entrepreneurship in the community.

As the Hon. Okey Joe Foundation continues to show the light, it is helping others find the way toward a more prosperous and independent future.