Can you introduce yourself and provide some background on IbadanChopnChill and its mission?
Chef Wendy: My name is Chinwendu Festus, but most people know me as Chef Wendy. I started my journey in the finance sector with a master’s degree from the University of Nigeria, Nsukka. Still, my unbridled passion for culinary arts led me down a different path. After studying at the Royal Spices Academy, I launched Wendy’s Kitchen, which now offers diverse culinary services, event management, and recipe innovation.
With IbadanChopnChill, my mission is to create a platform for talented chefs to emerge and help position Ibadan as a culinary powerhouse in Nigeria’s fast-growing food industry.
The upcoming IbadanChopnChill 2.0 2024 Festival is generating excitement. How do you feel about it?
Chef Wendy: Yes, it’s fascinating! My team and I are working tirelessly to ensure this second edition is even better than the first. We’ve learned a lot from last year, and we’re ready to take it to the next level. There’s going to be more fun, more food, and even more cultural celebration. Mark your calendars for December 1, 2024! 
Can you share the inspiration behind creating this festival and any personal experiences that motivated you to celebrate food and culture in this way?
Chef Wendy: Oh, where do I start? Coming from a financial background and transitioning into the culinary world without formal training was tough. My family and friends weren’t exactly on board with the idea either. Some of them even said things like (laughs): “So after doing a master’s, na mama put you wan dey sell?” It was disheartening at first, but I had a dream and a purpose. I wasn’t ready to give that up just because the path was hard.
It was a struggle, but cooking gave me a sense of fulfillment. The festival was born out of my desire to create a platform for young people passionate about the culinary arts, so they don’t have to face the same challenges I did. It’s also a celebration of our community’s food and culture, because what better way to bring people together than through food?
How do you manage the demands of organizing such a large-scale event in Ibadan while overcoming the challenges that come with it?
Chef Wendy: Oh, it’s super demanding! (laughs) Honestly, I didn’t realize how big the event was until we hosted the first edition. But I have an amazing team that’s been instrumental in pulling this off. We’re all working towards the same goal, and we’re learning on the job, which is exciting and challenging at the same time.
Can you describe the planning and development process of IbadanChopnChill 2.0 and any unique challenges or milestones your team encountered along the way?
Chef Wendy: There have been a lot of ups and downs (laughs). We’ve had our fair share of disagreements, but at the end of the day, we all want the same thing—a successful event. One of the biggest challenges we’ve faced is with sponsorships. Given the economic situation, it’s been tough to get the right organizations on board. And, getting the proposals to the right people has been another hurdle. But we’re not giving up!
Are there any planned collaborations or partnerships with vendors, artists, or other brands for the festival? If so, who are you looking forward to working with?
Chef Wendy: Absolutely! We’ve got lots of registered vendors already, and we’re collaborating with Purified Entertainment, which means we’ll have artists and dancers performing throughout the event. It’s going to be a lively atmosphere, with music, food, and dance all in one place. I’m looking forward to seeing it all come together—it’s going to be a festival to remember!
Your festival highlights community and cultural celebrations. Can you share a memorable experience from a previous event that has influenced your vision or goals for IbadanChopnChill 2.0?
Chef Wendy: Definitely! One of the most memorable moments was seeing the winners of the cooking competition. The joy on their faces was priceless, and many of them still reached out for mentoring. Knowing that we’ve been able to impact their lives in such a meaningful way is what keeps me going. It’s these moments that remind me why we started IbadanChopnChill in the first place.
What are some of the key features of IbadanChopnChill 2.0 that make it stand out from other festivals and cultural events in the region?
Chef Wendy: Oh, where do I even begin? The cooking competition is a highlight, and this year it’s going to be bigger with two categories: one for aspiring chefs and another for media personalities—yes, we’re getting the OAPs and journalists to cook! We also have a mobile food photography contest, which I think is unique. And then, there’s going to be live music, vendor exhibits, games, and more. It’s the perfect mix of food, culture, and entertainment—there’s something for everyone.
What are your long-term goals for IbadanChopnChill in the next five years?
Chef Wendy: I want IbadanChopnChill to be something that happens in every region across Nigeria, and eventually across Africa. We want to be known as a festival that gives young culinary talents a platform to shine and provides hope for those wanting to pursue a career in the culinary arts. It’s about more than just food—it’s about dreaming big and following your passion, no matter where you start.
As IbadanChopnChill 2.0 approaches, it’s clear that Chef Wendy’s vision goes beyond food—she’s creating a cultural movement. With her passion, dedication, and commitment to uplifting young chefs, the future of IbadanChopnChill is undoubtedly bright. This festival is not just about celebrating food, but also about giving back and creating opportunities for the next generation of chefs and food enthusiasts.
For tickets and more inquiries, visit the official website at ibadanchopsnchill.ng. You can also check out more details about Chef Wendy’s plans for the festival in this article on The Nation.
