For Immediate Release
Date: Saturday, September 20, 2025
Eko Flavours Season 2 Unveils Top 50 Contestants – Lagos Food Hub Hosts Shopping Experience and Panel Session
Lagos, Nigeria – Eko Flavours, Africa’s premier culinary showcase powered by Culinara Group in partnership with the Lagos State Ministry of Agriculture & Food Systems, has officially unveiled the Top 50 contestants for Season 2 (2025).
The announcement was made today at the Top 50 Briefing & Shopping Experience, held at the Lagos Fresh Food Hub, Idi Oro, Mushin. The event combined contestant orientation with a lively shopping showcase featuring brand partners’ products, alongside a panel session with the Culinary Director of Eko Flavours, the Creative Director, representatives of the Lagos State Government, brand partners, and a 2024 alumni representative.
Delivering the government’s goodwill message, Ms. Abisola Olusanya, Lagos State Commissioner for Agriculture & Food Systems, represented by Mrs. Oviebo, Director of the Lagos Fresh Food Hub, reaffirmed Lagos State’s commitment to becoming Africa’s culinary capital. She said:
“Eko Flavours is more than a competition; it is a platform for empowerment, cultural storytelling, and entrepreneurship. Through initiatives like this, we are equipping young talents to turn their passion for food into sustainable businesses that positively impact the economy.”
The Co-CEOs of Culinara Group, Ms. Jennifer Odufuwa and Mrs. Olufunke Adu, echoed the essence of the Eko Flavours project, underscoring its transformative role.
Ms. Jennifer Odufuwa remarked:
“Eko Flavours Season 2 is not just about cooking—it’s about creating pathways for young talents to transform their passion into sustainable businesses. We are proud to see 50 incredible contestants stepping into this journey, and we are confident that their stories will inspire Lagos and the world.”
Mrs. Olufunke Adu added:
“From day one, our vision has been clear: to build a platform that celebrates Lagos’ rich culinary culture while equipping chefs with the tools to thrive in today’s economy. The Top 50 represent creativity, resilience, and ambition. Their journey is proof that food is not just culture, it’s opportunity.”
Adding to the momentum, Chef Adeyinka Arije, Culinary Director of Eko Flavours Season 2, charged the contestants to rise to the occasion:
“This Top 50 represents the best of Lagos’ culinary creativity. We expect them not only to cook but to inspire, to create content, and to elevate their personal brands as ambassadors of Lagos cuisine.”
Reflecting on the competition’s impact, 2024 alumni representative Samuel Ejekukor (Pandelight) encouraged the new cohort:
“Eko Flavours changed my journey in ways I never imagined. I urge this year’s contestants to give it their all. It’s more than cooking; it’s a life-changing experience.”
Meet the Top 50 Contestants
The 2025 Top 50 includes emerging chefs and foodpreneurs from across Lagos:
Olaoluwakitan Johnson; Akinnola Deborah Oluwadarasimi (Darah); Waliat Oluwatosin Adegbesan (Chef Liyah); Olanrewaju Mazeedah Oyinkansola (Chef Zeedah); Victor Morgan (Chef Morgan); Oguntuyi Olamide Mercy (Chef Bomma); Oluwayale Oluwadunni Toluwani (Chef Dunni); Faith Yakubu (Chef Faith); Oyedele Olufunke Olanrewaju (Chef Olufunke); Oluwapelumi Deborah Sobayo (Chef Dampearl); Eniola Damilola Ogundipe (Chef Belda); Rotimi Martha Oluwadamilola (Chef Martha); Alexander Peace (Chef Luscious); Ansha Precious Semande; Diamond Charles (Chef Diam); Fadase Preye Olatundun (FoodGuy); Maureen Igwe (Spicy M.I); Olaoluwa Akintayo (Chef Vicol); Bello Qudus Opeyemi; Daniel Akaha; Nwachukwu Chisom Clara (Chef Nwachukwu); Motunrayo Adesola (Chef Tee); George Princess Omotoyosi; Badmus Arafat Oyindamola (Aratife); Mmenyene-Abasi Akpakpan-Makun; Aboaba Joy (Chef Liza); Ochuwa Adams (Mama Ace); Otunuga Iretioluwa Mary; Bamgbose Ayomide Grace; Jesuloba Folarin Ayobami; Agabus Agboye (Chef Agabus); Afolabi Kehinde Wuraola (Chef Kenz); Basirat Eleshin-Nla (Chef ElBa); Caleb Bethel (Chef Kay); Nzeh Lucy Obiageli (Chef Bellz); Damilola Comfort Afolabi (Chef Pleasant); David Susan Opeyemi; Enwere Glory Chinaza (Chef Glory); Akinbile Precious Ifeoluwa (Chef Ife); Usman Yunusa (A Guy); Ogundele Oluwatoyosi Esther (Chef PFT); Chef Cassie; Eguaoje Anthonia (Chef T); Bright Aselemi (Chownation); Chidiebele Nwokolo (Chef Kasii); Ayoleyi Busola Oluwole (Chef Leyi); Somtochukwu Gloria Obi (Chef Somto); Ambrose Destiny Damilola (Chef Dehny); Atuchukwu Chinaza Vivian (Chef Naza); Chef Lila.
Public Voting Begins Next Week
Public voting will commence next week and run for 10 days, giving audiences across Lagos and beyond the opportunity to support their favourite contestants. The votes will determine the Top 20 contestants who will advance to the live Semi-Final and Grand Finale cook-offs in October.
About Eko Flavours
Eko Flavours, powered by Culinara Group in partnership with the Lagos State Ministry of Agriculture & Food Systems, is Africa’s largest culinary stage—celebrating Lagos’ food culture, empowering emerging chefs, and promoting African cuisine globally. The initiative combines competition, mentorship, entrepreneurship, and media amplification to transform culinary talent into industry leaders.
Media Contact
Eko Flavours Media Team
Email: info@culinaragroup.com | info@tantacom.org
Phone: +2347062367247
Follow the journey: @theekoflavours on Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, X (Twitter) & YouTube
