Lagos State Launches Eko Flavours Competition: 50 Chefs Selected for Culinary Showcase

The Lagos State Government, through its Ministry of Agriculture and Food Systems, has announced the selection of 50 local chefs to participate in the inaugural edition of the Eko Flavours Competition. This initiative aims to provide a platform for food vendors and chefs to display their culinary skills while engaging with food enthusiasts across the state.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

Speaking at a news conference in Ikeja on Thursday, the Commissioner for Agriculture and Food Systems, Abiola Olusanya, revealed that over 150 applications were initially submitted for the competition. After a rigorous selection process, which included the submission of a one-minute video by each applicant, 70 entries were shortlisted. However, only 50 chefs were ultimately chosen to move forward.

“The Eko Flavours Project is designed to foster a culture of healthy eating and promote a balanced diet. This competition serves as a transformative platform to highlight Lagos State as the melting pot of Nigeria while showcasing the culinary talents of our youth and local market vendors,” Olusanya stated.

The project, launched in partnership with the private sector, is part of the government’s broader effort to transform Lagos State’s food markets and improve the state’s food system. Contestants were required to submit a video explaining their motivation for joining the competition. After careful review, 50 chefs were selected to advance to the next stage, which will lead to quarterfinals, semifinals, and the grand finale.

Olusanya emphasized that the top 20 finalists would be determined by public votes, ensuring a fair and transparent selection process.

Jennifer Odufuwa, Co-Chief Executive Officer of Tantacom Group, echoed this sentiment, noting that the selection process had been conducted fairly and that the contestants had exceeded expectations.

The winner of the Eko Flavours Competition will be awarded the title of Eko Flavours Champion Ambassador for one year, along with a grand prize of N5 million. Additional rewards include a one-year supply of free products, a N200,000 shopping voucher for the Mushin Fresh Food Hub, a certificate of achievement, and an award plaque. The first runner-up will receive N3 million, a six-month supply of products, and a N100,000 shopping voucher, while the second runner-up will be awarded N1 million, a three-month supply of products, and a N50,000 shopping voucher. The fourth and fifth-place contestants will also receive cash prizes.

The 50 successful chefs, selected from the 70 who submitted videos, will now be mobilized with a voucher to shop for the next phase of the competition at the Food Hub in Idi Oro, Mushin. The competition promises to be an exciting journey of culinary discovery and a celebration of Lagos’ rich food culture.