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The Lagos State Government, through its Ministry of Agriculture and Food Systems, has selected 50 chefs and local food vendors from across the state to participate in the maiden edition of the Eko Flavours Competition.
The Lagos State Commissioner for Agriculture and Food Systems, Ms. Abisola Olusanya, described the Eko Flavours Project as a culinary platform designed to showcase the talents of food vendors and chefs while engaging with food enthusiasts.
The initiative begins with a shopping experience in an organized market setting, providing participants with a comprehensive culinary journey.
During the selection process held at Alausa, Ikeja, Olusanya revealed that over 150 applications were received for the competition.
From this pool, she said 70 applicants were shortlisted, with the final 50 participants chosen based on the quality of their one-minute video submissions.
Olusanya emphasized that the top 20 finalists would be determined by public voting, ensuring a fair and transparent process.
She also highlighted that the Eko Flavours Project, a public-private partnership, is part of the government’s efforts to transform food markets in Lagos and enhance the state’s food system.
“We aim to build a culture of healthy eating and promote a balanced diet. This competition is a platform for food vendors and chefs to showcase their skills and connect with food enthusiasts,” Olusanya said.
“The Eko Flavours Project not only highlights Lagos as a melting pot of Nigeria but also celebrates the culinary prowess of our youths and local market vendors,” she added.
Contestants were required to submit a video explaining their interest in the competition. The initial pool of over 150 entries was narrowed down to 70, with the final 50 contestants selected during the two-hour session by professionals from the Ministry of Agriculture, alongside collaborators and sponsors.
Mrs. Jennifer Odufuwa, Co-Chief Executive Officer of Tantacom Group, reiterated the importance of a fair and transparent selection process.
She noted that the competition’s winner would be crowned the Eko Flavours Champion Ambassador for one year and awarded a N5 million cash prize.
“The winner will receive an award plaque, a one-year supply of free products, a N200,000 shopping voucher for the Mushin Fresh Food Hub, and a certificate of achievement,” Odufuwa explained.
“The first runner-up will take home N3 million, a six-month supply of products, a N100,000 shopping voucher, a certificate, and an award plaque. The second runner-up will receive N1 million, a three-month supply of products, a N50,000 shopping voucher, a certificate, and an award plaque. The fourth and fifth positions will also receive cash prizes.”
Adesumbo Williams, Regional Head of Learning/Development and Talent Management at Olam Agri, expressed enthusiasm for the Eko Flavours contest, noting that it aligns with the company’s core values.
“As a sponsor and member of the selection committee, it’s inspiring to witness the creativity and innovation within the food industry. The Eko Flavours contest promotes entrepreneurship and sustainable practices, values that Olam Agri holds dear. We are excited to see the incredible talent that will emerge as the competition progresses,” Williams said.
During the selection process, the one-minute videos submitted by the 70 applicants were reviewed by professional chefs, resulting in the final 50 participants. These successful contestants will receive a voucher to shop for the next phase of the competition at the Food Hub in Idi Oro, Mushin.
Among the 50 selected participants is 22-year-old Adaun Karina, the youngest contestant. The first 10 participants who made the cut include Pandelight Lagos, Mercy Ogbonna, Abiola Rebecca Oreoluwa, Adenike Oluwanishola, Ofre Victor Morgan, Sanusi Olamide Kaothar, Ikhazuagbe Eshionebo, Akorede Enitan Olamide, Afolabi Abisola, and Badejo Oreoluwakitan.
Others on the list are Diamond Charles, Adesina Precious Ayomide, Bello-Balogun Kehinde Rasheedat, Chef Walex, Zainab Odusanya, Karina Adaun, Jimoh Jamiu Olalekan, Onyinye Sylvia Peters-Olisekwu, Kalu Glory Uchenna, Udoh Anne Nduke-Abasi, Eniola Ogundipe, Lawal Aminat Remilekun, Alabi Taiwo, Ogunleye Omotola Ebunoluwa, Lasoye Teniola, Kemisola Ikejiaku, Omobonike Awosanmi, Teniola Adedotun Michael, Salaudeen Mubarak Adedayo, Akinnitire Oluwadamilare Ezekiel, Isaiah Oyede, Okereafor Praise, Joel Oluwaseun Dido Balogun, and Olufadeju Adeniyi David.
Also among the 50 contestants are Mary Oluwayomi Awotubo, Obodiahi Blessing, Abdulhakeem Sherifat Oladunni, Joy Osemeti Edeawe, Ibidunni Layade, Alatise Blessing Boluwatife, Olawale Caroline Ayodele, Azeez Zainab, Olanrewaju Agbojo, Emmanuel Joseph Chukwuemeka, Adelaka Oluwashola Sunday Joy Michael, Adesanya Abimbola, Anofi Mariam Onaolapo, and Oyewole Folake Rebekah.
