Ten talented chefs have advanced to the final stage of the highly anticipated Lagos State Government’s culinary competition, Eko Flavours.
Organized by the Lagos State Ministry of Agriculture and Food Systems in collaboration with Tantacom Group, the event aims to promote culinary creativity and food security in the state.
The finalists, selected from over 150 entrants, are set to compete for a grand prize of N10 million and several consolation awards. They include chefs Badejo Oreoluwakitan (chefkitts), Afolabi Abisola (rukybcooks), Isaiah Oyede (Isaiah_chef), Adesanya Abimbola Chiwendu (breezy_kitchen), and Akinnire Oluwadamilare Ezekiel (Chefdrey). Others are Akorede Enitan Olamide (enny_tan_), Sanusi O. Kaothar (kaotharr_), Omobonike Awosanmi (aveonkitchen), Ibidunni Layade (Ibidunnice), and Obodiahi Blessing (beesandbaVer).
Speaking at the quarter-final and semi-final rounds held at Fresh Food Hub in Idi-Oro, Mushin, Lagos State Commissioner for Agriculture and Food Systems, Ms. Abisola Olusanya, praised the competitors’ innovative culinary skills.
“This competition is not just about who the best chef is, but about who can think outside the box. We are looking for creativity, innovation, and smart cooking,” she said.
Olusanya added that Eko Flavours aligns with Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s THEMES+ agenda, which focuses on empowering youths and promoting food security in the state.
The finalists emerged from an intense selection process, which saw 50 contestants reduced to 20 before the quarter and semi-final stages. The six-hour cook-off brought out the best in all participants, with the final 10 earning their place through hard work and creativity.
Jennifer Odufuwa, Co-Chief Executive Officer of Tantacom Group, expressed her satisfaction with the competition’s transparency and fairness. “The judges had a difficult task, but they did a commendable job in selecting the finalists. Every contestant showcased excellent culinary skills,” she said.
One of the judges, Adeyinka Arije, a certified chef, lauded the efforts of the competitors, emphasizing the importance of resilience. “These young chefs have displayed great tenacity. I encourage them to take the lessons learned here and break barriers in the culinary industry,” Arije remarked.
The final competition, scheduled for tomorrow at Fresh Food Hub, Idi-Oro, will determine the Eko Flavours Champion. The winner will receive N5 million and a one-year ambassadorship, while second and third place winners will take home N3 million and N1 million, respectively. Several consolation prizes are also on offer for the remaining contestants.
With eight women and two men in the final, the atmosphere is charged with excitement as Lagosians await the crowning of the next Eko Flavours Champion.
