The Naval Officers’ Wives Association (NOWA) on Saturday, October 18, 2025, marked the 2025 World Food Day with a vibrant celebration at NOWA Secondary School, Karshi, Abuja, highlighting the role of food in promoting peace, unity, and healthy living.
The event was led by NOWA Vice President, Amb. (Dr.) Zainab Daniel Akpan, on behalf of the association’s National President, Mrs. Ijeoma Blessing Ogalla, in line with this year’s global theme, “Leave No One Behind: Hand in Hand for Better Food and a Better Future.”
In her keynote address, Dr. Akpan praised participants as “champions,” urged them to embrace cooking as a vital life skill that fosters self-reliance, discipline, and wellness.
“Cooking is a universal skill even boys are great cooks,” she said. “It’s not just about food; it’s about learning responsibility, creativity, and healthy living wherever you find yourself.”
As a Global Peace Ambassador, Dr. Akpan described food as “a symbol of duty, love, and peace,” emphasizing that “food is one language the world understands,” capable of bridging divides and building unity.
Delivering the her lecture, Chef Ruth Imabong Ibrahim, popularly known as Chef Ruddy and an alumna of NOWA Secondary School, spoke passionately on Food Hygiene and Storage. She said her collaboration with NOWA was inspired by her deep connection to the school, which she described as “home.”
“Food is a powerful force that brings people together, fosters love, and sustains life,” she said. “It should never be wasted. When we plan our meals and handle food hygienically, we contribute to a healthier and more sustainable world.”
Chef Ruddy emphasized the importance of proper food handling, hygiene, and waste management, while encouraging students to see cooking as both an art and a discipline. She revealed that this event marked the 10th school she had visited this year under her World Chef Day outreach and announced plans to represent Nigeria at the forthcoming international celebration.
The Commandant of NOWA Secondary School, Commander Muktar Lawal Dutsin-ma, commended the session, described it as “educative, enlightening, and timely.” He noted that about 80 students currently studying Food and Nutrition would greatly benefit from the lessons learned, particularly on hygiene and food safety.
Students also shared their impressions of the event,Mariam Kabir, a JSS 1 student, said she learned about the specific chopping boards used for different food types, such as seafood, poultry, red meat, and vegetables, adding that the practice helps prevent food contamination.
Another student, Yester Iorlamen, highlighted the importance of planning meals ahead to prevent waste, explaining that she also learned about colour-coded chopping boards blue for seafood, red for meat, white for sauces, and green for fruits and vegetables. She noted that a dedicated board should be used for allergy-prone foods to avoid cross-contamination.
She added that the practical session, where they prepared dishes like puff puff and creamy pasta, made the lessons both fun and memorable.
The celebration also featured a food-eating competition and a quiz on food hygiene and storage, with winners and participants receiving cash prizes and gifts.
Organized by NOWA in collaboration with Chef Ruddy, the 2025 World Food Day celebration reaffirmed the association’s commitment to using food education as a platform for empowerment, peacebuilding, and healthier living across Nigerian communities.
