Denis’s Hotel Kingsley Nkwocha -A child of circumstance; says, One error can cause a Run on your Hotel 

Tell us about yourself
My name is Kingsley Nkwocha. I am from Imo state. I come from a family of eight and I am the first child of my parents. That position in my family made me not to go beyond secondary education after finishing from Naze Secondary School in Owerri LGA of Imo State. I had to move to see how I could help my parents in taking care of my younger siblings.
Becoming a chef I did not set out originally to be a chef. It was circumstances that actually
drove me into the world of a chef. After my secondary education, I went to Nnewi to learn how to trade on vehicle spare parts. After my tutelage, I moved to Abuja. However, the massive demolition exercise carried out under the period of Mallam El Rufai as the minister of the Federal Capital Territory
affected my business. Like my people will say, you do not sit at a place and bemoan your fate, I had to move on. And part of the move was to look into the hospitality industry. So, I will say that apart from my natural cooking skills, I learnt the rest of my skills while on the job. I started with Protea Hotels when they were at Bolingo Hotels. And from there moved with Protea to Apo Apartments and the rest is history. It was while with Protea that I improved on my natural skills and learnt new skills. I learnt on the job as I
did not undergo formal training in catering and hotel management. I have been with Denis Hotel, my present employers for more than four years now.

So far, how far?
Well, all I will say that it has been a challenging experience. Like every profession, being a chef has its unique challenges. You learn every day, doing your best to ensure that your guests are fully satisfied. You work and have it at the back of your mind that a single error can cost your organization
not only monetarily but patronage and can lead to a run on your organization. So, One is always careful in ensuring that things are done in a proper manner that will guarantee the continued patronage of your organization.

What is your specialty?
I do more of Continental cuisines. But that does not mean that I do not handle African or Nigerian dishes. I do that extremely well. But I do handle mostly continental dishes. My colleagues are also around to take care of other cuisines. We also have Chinese cuisines too.   Reaction of your clients to your meals Well, one does not blow his trumpet. But one thing I know is that if you are in Abuja and you are not staying at Denis Hotel, you are missing something. We pamper our guests right from the moment you step into the reception.
Our meals are second to none. Maybe as the saying goes, a trial will not just convince you but will get you hooked. We cook well beyond measure. We also ensure that our guests eat healthily. We help our guests to stick to their eating regime especially those who have challenges.

Cooking at the home front?
I do not take my cooking skills home. I allow my wife to take care of that.
The reason for my decision was that I once cooked for the family and my daughter told my wife that Daddy cooks better. It was not funny, my wife felt bad and I felt that it is better I allow my wife to cook for the family. So, I try as much as possible not to go near the kitchen at home. However, once in a
long while, I give my family a treat by preparing out of usual family menu dishes for them.
Your transition from spare parts dealer to a chef is mind blowing
You can say that again. But the truth is that you do not give up because the situation changed. It is the ability to adapt to new changes that make a man strong. When the demolition affected me, I had the option of going back to the East, but I knew that it was not an option for me. My parents and siblings
were there looking up to me to offer leadership and guide them on the right path. So, I had to fold my sleeves and charted a new course for myself. I had no alternative. When the opportunity came through joining the hospitality industry, I had to apply the strictest form of discipline and learnt the ropes. 
By God’s grace, today, I can hold out my own as far as my line of profession is concerned.
Parting words What I will tell people is not to allow their challenges to weigh them down.
With determination and staying focused, one can make something out of nothing. That I do not have anybody to assist me is not an excuse to do nothing. When I came to this city, I had no one whether as a relation or as I friend. The most important thing is for one to stay focused and have absolute faith and trust in God.