By Our Reporter
The Government of Ekiti State has charged Caterers’ Association of Nigeria, Ekiti Chapter to sustain innovation, uphold quality standards and leverage digital platforms to strengthen its contribution to Nigeria’s economy and expand opportunities for entrepreneurs across the country.
The Director General of Bureau of Community Communications, Mary Oso-Omotosho made this call in Ado-Ekiti during the 2026 Caterers’ Day Celebration and Workshop, themed “Beyond the Plate,”*where stakeholders highlighted the growing role of professional catering in job creation, entrepreneurship, hospitality and the nation’s creative economy.
Speaking at the event, Mary Oso-Omotosho, commended caterers for redefining the profession through innovation and professionalism, saying the industry has continued to demonstrate that there is dignity in labour.
She noted that the transformation taking place within the catering profession has made it more attractive and competitive, describing it as an achievement practitioners should be proud of.
She urged practitioners to maintain high standards in food preparation and service delivery, stressing that quality remains the strongest advertisement for any catering business.
Her words, “I want to congratulate you on this occasion. I appreciate you for showing to the world that there is dignity in labour. The innovation that you have brought into catering is making it attractive and that is one achievements all of you should be proud of.
“As for us in government, I want to thank you for your partnership and the support you gave to Governor Oyebanji. I want to thank you for coming out enmass to vote for Governor Biodun Oyebanji. The second term we are going into in October, you all made it happen and we thank you so sincerely. I want to tell you that more than the relationship that we had in the first term, we are going to build on it in the second term.
“Make sure you put in your best because tomorrow you don’t know who is coming to taste that food. As caterers that you are, don’t compromise on quality. The works of your hands is your identity and signature that will attract people to you.
“You have shown experience as creatives caterers especially in Ekiti here. Make sure you leave a lasting impression and make good use of social media to showcase your works”.
In her keynote address, Ekiti State President of Caterers’ Association, Stella Abiodun Akinola, popularly known as Damlek, described catering as a profession that extends far beyond preparing and serving food, saying practitioners create memorable experiences that often define successful events.
Speaking on the theme, Akinola said catering embodies sacrifice, creativity, logistics, customer relations and entrepreneurship.
She explained that behind every successful event is a team of professionals who work tirelessly to transform pressure into excellence while creating lasting memories for clients.
According to Akinola, despite rising operational costs, changing consumer preferences and increasing expectations, catering professionals have continued to demonstrate resilience by embracing innovation and maintaining high service standards.
Akinola urged practitioners to celebrate their achievements, continuously acquire new knowledge and expand their businesses beyond event catering by investing in branding, pricing strategies, efficient systems and strategic partnerships.
“Today is more than a gathering. Today is a celebration of skill, sacrifice, sleepless nights and the joy we serve, one plate at a time.
“We are not just food vendors. We are experience curators, mood setters, problem solvers, designers, logistics experts and storytellers,” she said.
“Let us build catering businesses that last, not just events that end,” she charged.
Akinola also expressed appreciation to clients, partners and vendors for recognising the value of professional catering beyond its commercial aspect, while paying tribute to caterers for their dedication, hard work and creativity.
She reminded participants that the profession is about creating moments that remain in people’s memories long after events have ended.
“We don’t just serve food. We serve moments. And moments change lives,” she said, before declaring the 2026 Caterers’ Day Celebration and Workshop officially open.
Industry stakeholders at the event observed that as Nigeria’s hospitality and creative sectors continue to expand, professional catering is increasingly emerging as a significant driver of employment, enterprise development and value addition within the country’s service economy.
