Introduction
Tolani Tayo‑Osikoya — better known as Chef T — has carved an exhilarating path from accounting graduate to culinary influencer, setting Naija’s digital food scene ablaze with her warmth, expertise, and passion for local flavors.
A Journey Fueled by Passion
Though she earned a BSc in Accounting at Babcock University in 2012, Tolani’s true calling emerged early. By age eight she was already whipping up standout meals — including her legendary “greenest” fried rice — hinting at her future kitchen prowess.
In 2018, she founded Diary of a Kitchen Lover, her breakout YouTube channel and blog offering easy-to-follow recipes blending Nigerian staple dishes with global flair. The channel hit 3 million subscribers by 2024.
Accolades and Ambassadorships
Her culinary talent gained recognition when she won the 2019 Sterling Bank Jollof Master competition . Since then, she’s become a trusted voice for multiple brands:
●Morning Fresh (PZ Cussons)
●CWAY Water (May 2025)
●Malta Guinness, Knorr, and more
On Your Screens and in Your Hearts
Chef T brought her trademark charm and insight to Street Foodz Naija Season 5 as a judge and host alongside top personalities — helping to elevate street food culture and support up-and-coming vendors .
More Than a Chef
Beyond recipes, Tolani leverages her platform for social good. In January 2023, she launched the “Kitchen Lover Tech Scholarship” to support Nigerian youth in tech education. She also celebrated motherhood in November 2023 when she welcomed her daughter, Tifeoluwa.
What Makes Chef T Shine
●Relatability: Her catchphrase “Hi besties!” welcomes viewers into her kitchen as if they’re lifelong friends.
●Excellence: From winning contests to mastering global culinary education in Italy, she continues to refine her craft.
●Impact: Whether guiding home cooks or championing culinary talent on TV, she uplifts Nigerian food culture with every recipe and mentorship moment.
Chef T’s trajectory shows how passion, creativity, and purpose can transform a kitchen hobby into a powerful platform for cultural pride, culinary excellence, and community impact. With her sights set on bigger things — and already reshaping Naija’s food landscape — she’s a shining example of how passion + hard work = plate-worthy success.
Why FoodBay TV Features Chef T
●Street Food Cred: Her role in Street Foodz Naija strengthens our platform’s mission.
●Culinary Authority: A multi-award–winning chef and respected influencer with genuine expertise.
●Inspiring Journey: Her pivot from accounting to cooking inspires many of our audience.
●Champion of Community: From scholarships to kitchen mentorship, she knows what giving back means.
A Lasting Taste
From her signature “Hi besties!” to her vibrant plates, Chef T has not only spiced up our screens but also carved a place for herself in the hearts of food lovers across Nigeria and beyond. Her story is a delicious reminder that no dream is too far from the table — you just have to pull up a chair.
