Nigerian chef Damilola Adeparusi, popularly known as Chef Dammy, has officially commenced her professional culinary training at the Hospitality Business School (HBS) in Lagos.
Chef Dammy, who gained national recognition for her cook-a-thon attempt in June 2023, is now pursuing a professional diploma in culinary arts on a full scholarship. The scholarship, provided by Horecabb Mentors, covers her training in the Professional Culinary Art Chef course.
Expressing her excitement on Instagram, Chef Dammy shared a photo of herself in her new school uniform, writing, "My first time in a school uniform as a proper pro. Chef in the making."
She humorously recounted her initial shyness and the warm welcome from fellow students. “I ran back into the hostel to go and blush. When I stepped out, I started hearing, ‘Chef Dammy, you’re finally wearing the uniform, so fine!’ So I ran back inside, took selfies, and blushed again.”
Chef Dammy also expressed deep gratitude to Nigerian food entrepreneur Oluwatobi Fletcher, popularly known as Ofadaboy, along with the Group CEO of Horecabb Mentors, Dr. Mekwuye Eric, and the Ekiti State Government for their support in making her enrollment possible.
“A big thank you to Ofadaboy and the CEO of HBS for making this a reality. Special appreciation to my amazing lawyer. I’m also deeply grateful to His Excellency, Governor Biodun Oyebanji, and Her Excellency, Dr. Yemi Oyebanji, for their unwavering support.”
The scholarship, a collaboration between HBS, Ofadaboy, and the Ekiti State Government, was initially announced in December 2024 at the Ofada Rice Day Festival. In January, Dr. Mekwuye confirmed that Chef Dammy would also receive five additional free courses through the HBS Lagos Scholarship, ensuring she becomes a well-rounded chef.
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