School Teacher Emerges Maggi 20th Cook Of the Year
By Tunmise Adekunle
A technical instructor from Enugu State, Mrs. Ngozi Anastasia Nzeka, has emerged Maggi's Cook of the Year for 2004. She won the coveted crown by beating five other contestants during the exciting grand finale of the 20th edition of the Maggi National Cooking competition held recently at the Banquet Plall of Eko Hotel ant Suites, Lagos.
Nzeka, almost overwhelmed by her success, carted home the first prize of a brand new Honda Civic Exi Inspire 2004 model car plus weekend for two at Nicon Hilton Hotel, Abuja, while the second prize winner, Mrs. Stella Chinyere Ikeocha, an Aba based Safety Health and Environment Supervisor, won the prize with her dish of Apiti Oshi served with Pacoco delight. She went home with a six-burner gas cooker, fridge freezer and microwave oven. Miss Donna Aimiuwu a Project Officer from Benin, Edo State who prepared Cassa Paela and stewed mutton served with toffee papaya won the third prize of a deep freezer, set of pots and set of chinaware.
Speaking at the occasion, the Marketing Manager of Nestle Nigeria PLC, Mrs. Iquo Ukoh explained that since its inception in 1982, the Maggi National Cooking Competition has largely achieved its objectives which include encouraging skills and creativity in Nigerian cuisine using locai food items, promoting greater variety of dishes in Nigerian homes and fostering Nigerians' pride in their culinary heritage.
Mrs. Ukoh stated that the choice of cassava and/or guinea-corn for this year's competition was deliberate. This is because Nigeria is the world's largest producer of cassava, which is grown by over thirty million farmers in the country. Therefore, cassava plays a vital role in the food security of the rural economy as cassava based meals are the most frequently eaten meals in rural and urban communities.
She said further that Nestle decided to promote cassava for the competition because of its committed support to government initiative to harness the enormous potential of cassava for poverty alleviation by maximizing its consumption and utilization. She also stated that Nestle will continue to offer quality and affordable products, while giving assurance that Maggi will remain a constant source of advice, tips and guidance on good cooking as well as recipe development and food presentation.
Other contestants who took part in the keenly contested final include Miss Hajarat Bagudu, a University of Maiduguri undergraduate, Mrs. Inemesit Adeniyi-Phillips and Mrs. Amaka Mbadiwe- Ohia.
They all went home with consolation prizes of three loader VCD's plus cake mixers.
|
