Building the Future of Nigerian Culinary Industry: An Exclusive Interview with APCN's National President, Chef Dr. Paulinus Okon

A Cross section of APCN members at a recent national event

In this insightful interview, Chef Dr. Paulinus Okon, National President of the Association of Professional Chefs Nigeria (APCN), shares with our Media Team the reasons behind APCN's strategic partnership with the Lagos Beach Wine & Food Festival 2025, as well as his vision for the culinary industry in Nigeria. With a wealth of experience and passion for promoting Nigerian cuisine, Chef Okon provides valuable insights into APCN's mission, its impact on the industry, and the benefits of collaborating with the festival.

Chef Paulinus, can you start by telling us a bit about yourself and your role as the National President of APCN?

Chef Dr. Paulinus Okon, National President, Association of Professional Chefs Nigeria (APCN).

Chef Paulinus: I am Chef Paulinus Okon, the National President of the Association of Professional Chefs Nigeria. As the leader of this esteemed organization, I am committed to promoting the culinary profession, setting standards, and supporting the hospitality industry in Nigeria.

That's impressive. What is the mission of APCN, and how do you see it impacting the culinary industry in Nigeria?

Chef Paulinus: The mission of APCN is to set standards in the culinary profession, support the hospitality industry, and promote Nigeria's food culture. I can confidently say that APCN has not just impacted the culinary industry in Nigeria; we have actually built it. Since our inception in 2011, we have worked tirelessly to train, educate, and groom professionals in the industry.

That's remarkable. What benefits do you see in partnering with the Lagos Beach Wine & Food Festival 2025 for APCN?

Chef Paulinus: Despite our extensive awareness campaigns, there are still individuals and organizations unaware of APCN's existence. Partnering with the festival provides an opportunity for us to reach a broader audience, create awareness about our mission, and attract potential members.

How will you showcase Nigerian cuisine at the festival?

Chef Paulinus: We are excited to showcase the rich and diverse traditional cuisines of all six geopolitical zones of Nigeria at the festival. This is a deliberate effort to promote Nigeria's vibrant food culture and give attendees a taste of our country's incredible culinary heritage. By bringing together expert chefs from different regions, we aim to highlight the unique flavors, ingredients, and cooking techniques that define each zone's cuisine. From the spicy flavors of the South-South to the hearty stews of the North, and from the seafood-rich dishes of the coastal regions to the flavorful suya of the Middle Belt, our culinary exhibition will be a true reflection of Nigeria's diverse and rich gastronomic traditions.

Also a cross section some more members of the APCN with the National President, Chef Dr. Paulinus Okon in the centre

By showcasing these traditional cuisines, we hope to not only delight the taste buds of attendees but also educate them about the cultural significance and history behind each dish, thereby promoting a deeper appreciation and understanding of Nigeria's food culture.

What specific benefits do you hope to gain from this partnership for APCN?

Chef Paulinus: We hope to significantly increase public awareness of the Association of Professional Chefs Nigeria's (APCN) existence, particularly among employers and potential members, through our partnership with the Lagos Beach Wine & Food Festival 2025. By leveraging this prominent platform, we aim to establish a strong presence and raise the profile of APCN, making it a go-to destination for culinary professionals, employers, and industry stakeholders.

This partnership will serve as a vital contact point for both parties, facilitating connections, opportunities, and collaborations that can benefit the culinary industry as a whole. Through this increased visibility and networking opportunities, we anticipate a surge in interest from potential members, employers, and partners who share our vision for promoting excellence in the culinary profession. Ultimately, our goal is to position APCN as the premier culinary association in Nigeria, driving growth, innovation, and professionalism in the industry.

How will you engage APCN members and ensure their participation in the festival?

Chef Paulinus: The Lagos State Chapter of the Association of Professional Chefs Nigeria (APCN) has taken the lead in constituting the Local Organizing Committee for the event, demonstrating their commitment and enthusiasm for the festival. This proactive approach will ensure a well-coordinated and successful participation of APCN members in the event.

Moreover, all other state chapters of APCN will join forces on the day of the event, guaranteeing a strong and united presence of our members. This collective effort will not only showcase the diversity and richness of Nigerian cuisine but also highlight the Association's dedication to promoting culinary excellence and professionalism. With a strong team of members from different states, we are confident that our participation in the festival will be a resounding success, and we look forward to engaging with attendees, sharing our expertise, and showcasing the best of Nigerian cuisine.

How do you plan to leverage this partnership to promote APCN's mission and values?

Chef Paulinus: The Lagos Beach Wine & Food Festival resonates with APCN's vision to promote and sustain Nigeria's rich traditional cuisines. We intend to leverage this partnership to achieve our mission and promote our values.

Finally, how will you measure the success of APCN's involvement in the festival?

Chef Paulinus: The success of APCN's involvement in the festival will be measured by the satisfaction and positive feedback of participants, appreciation from our partners, and the volume of networking opportunities generated.