Meet the founder
Benedicta Nkemdilim Olarinde
Culinary Director | Entrepreneur | Content Creator
Biography: A Culinary Odyssey
Birthdate: August 1, 1978
Birthplace: Ilorin, Kwara State, Nigeria
Early Life and Family
Benedicta Nkemdilim Elechi was born on August 1, 1978, in the serene city of Ilorin, Kwara State. Her life is a testament to unwavering passion, strong family values, and a lifelong commitment to the culinary arts.
Family and Inspiration
The fourth child of Benedict and Maria Agunabo-Elechi, Benedicta draws profound inspiration from her parents, whose wisdom and steadfast support have shaped her journey and fueled her culinary aspirations.
Professional Journey
In 2007, Benedicta founded Dictachi Foods Nigeria Limited in Port Harcourt, Rivers State. Through this venture, she introduced:
Dicta Yoghurt Dicta Bakery Dicta Cuisine (a specialized catering service for the oil and gas industry)
Her work has provided opportunities for young adults without formal education to acquire production skills and achieve financial independence. Additionally, she has empowered housewives by establishing a distribution network for dairy products, offering them a 30% profit margin.
Educational Background
Benedicta holds a Bachelor of Science in Analytical Chemistry from Rivers State University of Science and Technology. Her analytical expertise complements her creative culinary pursuits, allowing her to approach her craft with precision and innovation.
Benedicta Nkemdilim Elechi was born on August 1, 1978, in the serene city of Ilorin, Kwara State. Her life is a testament to unwavering passion, strong family values, and a lifelong commitment to the culinary arts.
Family and Inspiration
The fourth child of Benedict and Maria Agunabo-Elechi, Benedicta draws profound inspiration from her parents, whose wisdom and steadfast support have shaped her journey and fueled her culinary aspirations.
Professional Journey
In 2007, Benedicta founded Dictachi Foods Nigeria Limited in Port Harcourt, Rivers State. Through this venture, she introduced:
Her work has provided opportunities for young adults without formal education to acquire production skills and achieve financial independence. Additionally, she has empowered housewives by establishing a distribution network for dairy products, offering them a 30% profit margin.
Educational Background
Benedicta holds a Bachelor of Science in Analytical Chemistry from Rivers State University of Science and Technology. Her analytical expertise complements her creative culinary pursuits, allowing her to approach her craft with precision and innovation.
Expanding Culinary Horizons
In 2016, Benedicta launched Tastebudz Eastern n Riverine Cuisine in Lagos, sharing the rich and diverse flavors of Eastern and Riverine cuisine. In 2023, she established the Tastebudz Culinary Academy, where she currently serves as Culinary Director. The academy offers a nurturing environment for aspiring chefs and emphasizes the importance of lifelong learning.
To support talented individuals passionate about the culinary arts, she initiated:
These programs provide financial assistance for young chefs who lack the resources to pursue formal culinary education.
Content Creation and Advocacy
Benedicta is also a dynamic content creator. She hosts:
Through these platforms, Benedicta supports struggling female entrepreneurs by providing financial assistance and offers pro bono legal services to women in abusive relationships.
Philanthropy
As a board member of the Free the Sheeple Movement, Benedicta contributes to initiatives that support youth education by covering tuition and examination fees, as well as providing food and aid to the less privileged.
Personal Life
Benedicta is a devoted wife to Ifedayo Olarinde and a loving mother to five children. She takes pride in balancing her thriving culinary career with the joys and responsibilities of family life.
A Lifelong Passion for Culinary Arts
With over two decades of experience, Benedicta has dedicated herself to mastering the culinary and pastry arts. She views herself as a perpetual student, constantly exploring new techniques and flavors to refine her craft.
Hobbies
In her leisure time, Benedicta enjoys reading, swimming, cooking, baking, and gardening.
Her journey reflects the profound joy that flavors and aromas bring to life, and she eagerly anticipates the stories yet to unfold.