The Lagos State Government, through its Ministry of Agriculture and Food Systems, has selected 50 local chefs to participate in the inaugural Eko Flavours Competition.
Abiola Olusanya, the Commissioner for Agriculture and Food Systems, announced on Thursday that over 150 applications were initially submitted. Out of these, 70 applications were shortlisted based on one-minute videos, from which the final 50 participants were chosen.
The Eko Flavours Project aims to build a culture of healthy eating and to highlight the culinary skills of Lagos’s youth and local food vendors. It provides a platform for chefs and food vendors to showcase their talents and engage with food enthusiasts, from shopping to an organized market.
Olusanya explained that the competition is part of a broader effort to transform Lagos’s food markets and improve the state’s food system. She emphasized that the contest would feature a transparent selection process, with the top 20 finalists determined by public votes.
Jennifer Odufuwa, Co-Chief Executive Officer of Tantacom Group, highlighted the fairness and transparency of the selection process. The winner of the competition will be crowned the Eko Flavours Champion Ambassador for one year and receive a ₦5 million cash reward, an award plaque, a year’s supply of free products, a ₦200,000 shopping voucher, and a certificate of achievement.
The first runner-up will receive ₦3 million, a six-month supply of products, a ₦100,000 shopping voucher, a certificate of achievement, and an award plaque. The second runner-up will earn ₦1 million, a three-month supply of products, a ₦50,000 shopping voucher, a certificate of achievement, and an award plaque. Cash prizes will also be awarded to the fourth and fifth positions.
The 50 selected chefs will use a voucher to shop for the next phase of the competition at the Food Hub in Idi Oro, Mushin.