IN an effort to engage unemployed Nigerian youths in a productive activity, the Korean Cultural Centre (KCC) Nigeria has organised a cooking contest focused on Korean cuisine.
Over 18 Nigerian youths are participating in the competition, being held at the Reddish Cooking School in Abuja, vying for a grand prize of N1 million.
Some participants shared with Nigerian Tribune that the contest has not only provided them with the skills to prepare Korean dishes, but also offered a meaningful way to utilise their time and energy.
They expressed appreciation to KCCN for creating the opportunity, highlighting that scarce job prospects in the country often leave many youths idle. The KCCN contest, they noted, offers a chance to engage in productive activities.
“I learned about the Korean Cultural Centre back in 2017. However, I saw updates about this cooking competition on Facebook and decided to participate.
“I love Korean culture, including their movies, music, fashion, language and food. I entered the contest to win the top prize and have already been positively impacted. With limited job opportunities for graduates like myself, a career as a chef could be a viable option. The contest has expanded my perspective, sparking an interest in learning about other cultures beyond Nigeria,” said Peace Anams.
Esther Raymond, another contestant, said: “I found the Korean cooking class and contest online and entered the trial phase. My teammate and I prepared one of the dishes at home, recorded the process and sent it to the Cultural Centre. We were then invited to the contest.
“I aim to win the prize and start my own business. The experience has deepened my understanding of Korean cuisine and inspired me to consider becoming a professional chef, given the current job market.”
Cynthia Nmadubueze, also a contestant, remarked: “I am passionate about everything related to South Korea; from their food to movies and fashion. This opportunity is highly valuable to me. With the scarcity of jobs in Nigeria, I intend to make the most of this chance to achieve something meaningful.”
Sharon, the Cooking Class and Events Manager at KCCN, explained that the contest is part of the centre’s broader effort to promote Korean culture in Nigeria. She emphasised that KCCN aims to make its programmes beneficial to Nigerians, particularly the youth.
“This contest is designed to increase awareness of Korean food and its unique sources. Jange, a primary ingredient in Korean cuisine, plays a crucial role in understanding its distinctiveness.
“Contestants are free to choose and prepare a Korean dish of their liking, showcasing their skills like professional chefs. Factors such as time management and the uniqueness of the dish will influence who progresses to the next round.
“In the subsequent round, contestants will incorporate Nigerian ingredients into their Korean dishes. The winner will receive a cash prize of N1 million. Our goal is to continue promoting Korean culture in Nigeria and to provide Nigerians with a taste and basic knowledge of it, ultimately contributing to their wellbeing,” Sharon said.
READ ALSO: BREAKING: Tinubu removes DSS boss, appoints Ajayi as replacement
