At this year’s GTCO Food and Drink Festival, the stage was graced by one of Nigeria’s most inspiring culinary voices, Chef Tilewa Odedina—fondly known as *Chef Tilly*. A Le Cordon Bleu-trained nutrition chef and the Head of Culinary at Nigeria’s largest cloud kitchen, Chef Tilly delivered a captivating masterclass on transforming African dishes into nutritious, healing meals without compromising their authentic essence.
Known for her flair in blending traditional African flavors with modern health-conscious techniques, Chef Tilly left a powerful impression on festivalgoers. “Today at the GTCO Food and Drink Festival Masterclass, I showed guests how to make African dishes in a nutritious way, without losing the excitement or essence of what makes them enjoyable,” she explained.
For Chef Tilly, food is far more than sustenance—it’s medicine. Her own journey of healing through food has inspired her approach to cooking and teaching. “Food healed me, and food can heal you too,” she shared passionately. “By using the right ingredients, the right techniques, and combining them properly, food becomes a tool for wellness. Ingredients like Moringa or bitter leaf (*Agu*) aren’t just traditional—they’re medicinal.”
Her presence at the festival was more than a demonstration of skill; it was a celebration of African culinary identity. “GTCO Food and Drink promotes African culture by allowing chefs like me to show what we do with food,” she said. “From African-inspired vendors to the opportunity to sign up for free, GTCO has created a platform that is inclusive and empowering.”
Beyond her role as a chef, Tilly is a mentor and inspiration, particularly to young women and aspiring chefs. Her message to them is clear: “Chase your passion. Trust the process. Believe in yourself. You never know who’s watching—so act with excellence in everything you do.”
As the festival concluded, Chef Tilly expressed heartfelt gratitude. “GTCO, thank you so, so much. I will never forget this experience. You’ve not only supported African talent but also given us a global stage.”
Chef Tilly continues to lead the way in culinary innovation, reminding the world that African food is not only rich in flavor—but rich in healing and heritage.
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