From feeding 1,000 people in its last edition to targeting 100,000 Nigerians, the initiative is turning the nation’s rich food culture into a powerful expression of compassion and community service.
In a country where millions struggle to put food on their tables, Sábi Chẹf is taking Nigerian hospitality beyond the kitchen, bringing together chefs, volunteers, donors and food lovers in an ambitious mission to feed 100,000 people over 100 continuous hours.
The Sábi Chẹf Feed-a-thon reflects the belief that food is more than nourishment. It is a symbol of community, a celebration of cultural identity and a way to show love to those who need it most.
Building on its previous edition, which fed 1,000 people in Makoko, Lagos, the initiative has significantly expanded its ambition, targeting 100,000 Nigerians, particularly vulnerable individuals and underserved communities.
The event is scheduled for November 25–29 at the National Stadium, Surulere, Lagos, beginning at 12 noon West Africa Time.
At the heart of the initiative is Nigeria’s culinary diversity, from the spicy flavours of the South-West to the distinctive delicacies of the South-East, the hearty dishes of the North and the diverse food traditions of the South-South. Through this shared love of food, Sábi Chẹf hopes to turn culinary creativity into practical support for people facing hunger.
According to Mr Shola Ewuola, the Founder/Chief Executive Officer of Sábi Chẹf—the street food festival and competition, and Food-a-thon, the project is a community service initiative supporting the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 2, which seeks to achieve Zero Hunger.
The initiative recognises that tackling hunger requires collective action, with individuals, businesses, professional associations and communities all playing a role in making a difference.
The Culinary Arts Practitioners Association of Nigeria (CAPA) is expected to play a central role, mobilising chefs to prepare and serve meals throughout the 100-hour period.
Members of the public are also being encouraged to participate by volunteering, supporting food preparation, donating or helping distribute meals. The organisers stress that anyone can contribute, even without culinary skills.
Every contribution can help put food on someone’s plate. For someone who has gone hungry, a single meal can bring relief, comfort and renewed hope.
Beyond feeding beneficiaries, the Feed-a-thon seeks to raise awareness about food insecurity, promote the right to adequate food and inspire a culture of giving that extends beyond the event.
The expansion from 1,000 beneficiaries in the previous edition to a target of 100,000 underscores the scale of the organisers’ ambition. It also offers an opportunity to showcase how Nigeria’s culinary community can contribute to social development while celebrating the country’s rich food heritage.
For Sábi Chẹf, which celebrates the people and creativity behind the food Nigerians enjoy, the Feed-a-thon brings its mission into sharper focus: using food not only to celebrate culture but also to serve humanity.
The organisers are calling on individuals, businesses, organisations and well-meaning Nigerians to register or donate towards providing meals for beneficiaries.
Ultimately, success will be measured not just by the hours spent cooking or the meals prepared, but by the people reached, the smiles created and the lives touched.
In the spirit of the campaign’s rallying cry, “No be small thing oo!”, feeding 100,000 people is a monumental undertaking. But it begins with one plate, one contribution and one act of kindness at a time.
How to participate or donate: https://sabichef.com/register-participant/
Members of the public can register to attend the Sábi Chẹf Feed-a-thon or donate towards feeding beneficiaries through the event’s registration and donation platform:
Every plate counts. Every contribution matters.