Cook competition 0.4
Cooking Competition O.4 – Fourth Edition Concludes with Resounding Success
We are proud to announce the successful conclusion of the Fourth Edition of the U-Nice and Teens Cooking Competition O.4, which took place from 28th July to 3rd August 2025 at Jine School, Kaduna State. This year’s edition raised the bar in every way, uniting passion, diversity, and creativity in what became a truly unforgettable culinary journey.
Themed: “7 Days Ultimate Culinary Adventure”
The week-long competition brought together talented teenagers aged 12 to 18, representing different schools, religions, and tribes across the region. Their diversity was not only reflected in their backgrounds but also in the range of dishes and flavors they presented throughout the event.
Participants were challenged to go beyond their comfort zones, tackling fast-paced cooking tasks while showcasing technical skills, cultural expression, and most importantly, their passion for food. From classic recipes to creative modern twists, every dish told a story.
Event Highlights Included:
. Dynamic Cooking Challenges under strict time constraints
. A high-pressure Noodles Cooking Challenge
. A wide range of diverse dishes that reflected creativity, skill, and innovation
. Cultural day showcase of different culture and their local food
. A respected panel of expert judges
. Hands-on training on various aspects of the culinary arts
From making Corn Dogs to Homemade Ice Cream
Lessons in Kitchen Safety and Food Hygiene
Workshops on Food Plating and Dining Etiquette
And the Crown Goes To...
After days of intense cooking, creativity, and collaboration, we proudly crowned our 2025 O.4 Champion Tirzarh Mbaba, whose performance, consistency, and culinary flair stood out among a field of strong competitors.
Indomie Cooking Challenge: A Sizzling Showdown at the Grand Finale!
As part of the exciting activities during the grand finale of the cooking competition 0.4, we were thrilled to host a special Indomie Cooking Challenge, proudly sponsored by Indomie, a brand that continues to inspire creativity in the kitchen.
This vibrant mini challenge saw our talented teen participants go head-to-head, transforming the beloved instant noodles into mouthwatering culinary masterpieces. With limited time and endless imagination, the teens showcased their flair, flavors, and originality, proving that even the simplest ingredients can be elevated into something spectacular.
After a tough round of judging based on taste, presentation, and creativity, Nima Maruwa emerged as the winner of the Indomie Cooking Challenge! Her unique twist on the classic Indomie dish wowed the judges and stole the spotlight.
A big congratulations to Nima for her well-deserved win, and a heartfelt thank you to Indomie for their generous support and commitment to empowering young culinary talent.
Celebrating Heritage: Cultural Day with Our Young Culinary
In the build up to our highly anticipated Grand Finale, we took a moment to celebrate diversity, creativity, and tradition with a beautiful Cultural Day, An unforgettable highlight of the competition period!
Our talented teen contestants stepped away from the kitchen and into their roots, proudly showcasing the rich cultural heritage of their communities. It was a colorful and heartwarming day filled with joy, pride, and tradition.
The event featured:
Traditional Food Displays – Teens prepared and presented authentic dishes from their cultures, sharing the stories and ingredients behind each one. The air was filled with the rich aromas of heritage and home.
Cultural Dances & Recitations – Participants performed traditional dances, poetry, and spoken word that reflected the values and history of their people. Each performance was a powerful expression of identity and pride.
Parent-Child Cultural Dance Segment – One of the most touching moments was when parents joined their children for a joyful cultural dance, bridging generations through rhythm, movement, and shared heritage.
Cultural Day was more than an event, it was a celebration of identity, unity, and the beautiful diversity that enriches our community. It reminded us all that food is not just nourishment, but a story of who we are and where we come from.
Below are pictures of the wonderful moments shared.
Honoring Compassion:Gift Award Presented to Chinasa Anukwu (Big Mama) for Outstanding Humanitarian Service
During the course of our event, we had the privilege of witnessing not just culinary talent, but also incredible acts of kindness, care, and community spirit. One individual stood out in a truly remarkable way Chinasa Anukwu fondly known as House Mama. In recognition of her unwavering support, warmth, and selfless humanitarian service throughout the event, house Mama was presented with a special gift award as a token of our deepest appreciation. From offering comfort and encouragement to the teens, to going above and beyond to ensure they are present for house fellowship of everyone involved, her presence radiated generosity and motherly care. She served not just with her hands, but with her heart embodying the true spirit of community. Big Mama, your compassion did not go unnoticed. Thank you for being the soul of the event and for reminding us all of the power of kindness.
Event Highlights: A Visual Journey Through Our Culinary Celebration
As we reflect on the incredible journey of our cooking competition, we invite you to experience the vibrant moments captured throughout the event. Our gallery offers a glimpse into the dedication, creativity, and cultural richness that defined this experience.
Featured Moments:
Certificate of Participation: Each teen participant was honored with a personalized certificate, celebrating their commitment and culinary skills.
Cooking Activities: Images showcasing the teens in action, from the intense preparation phases to the final presentations, highlighting their teamwork and passion.
Cultural Day Celebrations: Snapshots of the Cultural Day, where participants shared traditional dances, recitations, and culinary delights, enriching the event with diverse cultural expressions.
Gift Presentations: Photographs capturing the pride and joy of the teens receiving their awards, marking the culmination of their hard work and creativity.
TEAM 0.4 EDITION
Thank You to Our Incredible Team! As we wrap up the 0.4 edition of the Teens Cooking Competition, I want to extend my deepest thanks to the amazing team that made it all possible. From the early planning stages to the final dish served, your passion, creativity, and commitment shone through. Every challenge, every tasting session, and every moment behind the scenes was powered by your dedication. Your hard work helped create a platform where young talents could shine, learn, and grow and that’s something truly special. To our coordinators, chefs, mentors, judges, volunteers, media crew, and support staff thank you for being the heart and soul of this event. We couldn't have done it without you. Here’s to many more successful editions together!
Thank You to Our Proud Sponsors
We are incredibly honored to have partnered with two outstanding brands for the 0.4 Edition of the Teens Cooking Competition , Indomie and 🛒 Market Square.
Indomie
As a brand that has become a staple in homes and kitchens across the country, Indomie continues to inspire culinary creativity in every generation. Your sponsorship brought excitement, flavor, and a touch of home to our young chefs’ cooking experiences. Thank you for believing in the power of youth expression through food.
Market Square
Thank you, Market Square, for your unwavering support of youth-led initiatives and your commitment to empowering the next generation. Your contribution helped us create an engaging, fun, and resource rich environment for all participants. Your contribution elevated the competition from a simple event to a celebration of talent and community.
Together, Indomie and Market Square helped make this edition a true success and for that, we say a heartfelt thank you.
We look forward to growing these partnerships in the many exciting editions to come!
Looking Ahead: Building on Our Culinary Journey
As we reflect on the vibrant moments captured throughout our recent cooking competition, we are filled with gratitude and anticipation. The dedication, creativity, and cultural richness displayed by our participants have set a new benchmark for future events.
What’s Next?
We are already planning the next edition of our competition, aiming to expand opportunities for young culinary talents. Stay tuned for announcements and updates on how you can get involved, support, or participate in the upcoming season.
Join Us in the Journey
Whether you're a teen with a passion for cooking, a parent eager to support your child's growth, or a community member interested in fostering youth development, there's a place for you in our culinary community. Together, we can continue to inspire, create, and celebrate the art of cooking.
Thank you for being a part of this incredible journey. We look forward to what the future holds and hope to share many more memorable moments with you.
Join Us in Making a Difference
Whether you want to support, volunteer, or participate, there's a place for you.