| Image: Facebook |
Nigerian culinary star Damilola Adeparusi, popularly known as Chef Dammy, has reached a significant milestone in her professional journey after completing her training at the Hospitality Business School (HBS) in Lagos. The achievement officially solidifies her status as a certified professional chef and underscores her growing influence in the Nigerian culinary scene.
Chef Dammy first came into the public eye in June 2023 during her highly publicized cook-a-thon challenge, which showcased her creativity and determination in the kitchen. Since then, she has been steadily building her skills and reputation, culminating in her successful completion of the Professional Culinary Art Chef Diploma on a full scholarship. The accomplishment was confirmed by Horecabb Mentors, the parent organization of HBS, highlighting her dedication and commitment to mastering the culinary craft.
Sharing her excitement on Instagram on Tuesday, Chef Dammy reflected on the journey that brought her to this point. She wrote, “It’s safe to say Chef Dammy is officially a professional chef. Grateful to have graduated from the best hospitality school in Nigeria, first in Africa and among the top 10 in the world.” Her post conveyed both pride in her personal achievement and gratitude for the support she received along the way.
She went further to acknowledge the various individuals and institutions that played a role in helping her reach this career milestone. “Cheers to the grace of God and the favor of men that have brought me this far. God bless HBS. God bless my sponsors. God bless my supporters. God bless Nigeria. And God bless me,” she wrote, highlighting her faith and appreciation for the mentorship and backing that enabled her success.
Reflecting on her early days at the school, Chef Dammy shared a memory from February 2025, when she donned her school uniform for the first time. “My first time in school uniform as a proper pro. Chef in the making,” she recalled. She also recounted a playful moment of shyness and excitement upon seeing the warm reception from her peers. “I ran back into the hostel to go and blush. Being my first time in the school uniform, when I stepped out of the hostel, I started hearing, ‘Chef Dammy, you’re finally wearing the uniform, so fine!’ So I ran back inside, took selfies, and started blushing again,” she said. This reflection captures the mix of humility, joy, and personal growth that has characterized her journey.
Chef Dammy expressed particular gratitude to key supporters who facilitated her training. She singled out Nigerian food entrepreneur Oluwatobi Fletcher (popularly known as Ofadaboy), HBS Group CEO Dr. Mekwuye Eric, and the Ekiti State Government for their contributions toward her scholarship and enrollment. Their support enabled her to focus fully on her studies and refine her culinary skills under expert guidance.
According to Dr. Eric, the scholarship program—which is a collaboration between HBS, Ofadaboy, and the Ekiti State Government with backing from First Lady Yemi Oyebanji—was designed to produce not just skilled chefs but well-rounded professionals. As part of the initiative, graduates also undergo five supplementary courses intended to broaden their knowledge and enhance their capabilities in multiple areas of the culinary and hospitality industry. Dr. Eric emphasized that this comprehensive approach ensures graduates like Chef Dammy are fully prepared to excel in both creative and operational aspects of professional cooking.
With her formal training now complete, Chef Dammy is poised to leverage her skills and experience to make a meaningful impact on the culinary scene. Her journey reflects a blend of talent, dedication, and the right mentorship, serving as an inspiring story for aspiring chefs across Nigeria. By completing her diploma at one of Africa’s leading hospitality schools, she has not only achieved personal success but has also set a benchmark for young culinary professionals seeking to make their mark in the industry.
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