Author name: Eko Flavours

In a strategic build-up to the maiden edition of Eko Flavours Junior, the Culinara Group, in partnership with the Lagos State Ministry of Agriculture and Food Systems, and the Lagos State Ministry of Education, successfully hosted a high-level Stakeholder Dialogue themed “Flavours of the Future” on Friday, June 13th, 2025. The event, held at the Lagos State Ministry of Agriculture Conference Room, brought together key public and private sector stakeholders, educational leaders, brand partners, and creative collaborators to unveil and align on the vision and execution roadmap for Eko Flavours Junior 2025 — a groundbreaking culinary initiative targeted at children aged 10–13 across Lagos State. In Attendance:The session was graced by the Honorable Commissioner for Agriculture & Food Systems, key directors from the Ministries of Education and Agriculture, brand sponsors, members of the Eko Flavours Senior 2024 Top 20 Cohort (now serving as official mentors), and the newly announced Brand Ambassador, award-winning child actor Darasimi Nadi, who reaffirmed her commitment to representing the spirit of excellence and creativity that Eko Flavours Junior embodies. Project Overview:The Eko Flavours Junior competition is a multi-stage culinary challenge designed to foster early interest in the culinary arts, empower creativity and teamwork, and showcase Lagos as the food capital of Africa. The competition officially kicks off on June 16th, 2025, with online entry submissions, culminating in a live Grand Finale showdown on July 26th, 2025, at the Lagos Fresh Food Hub, Idi Oro Mushin. Competition Timeline Highlights: Speaking at the event, the Hon. Commissioner emphasized the State’s dedication to nurturing talents through food innovation and education. He noted that Eko Flavours Junior is not just a culinary contest, but “a transformative movement shaping the future of food systems and empowering the next generation of food entrepreneurs.” Brand Partners were also engaged in discussions on content visibility, mentorship, competition format, and experiential branding opportunities. About Eko Flavours JuniorAn initiative of the Culinara Group, Eko Flavours Junior is the youth edition of the award-winning Eko Flavours competition, which seeks to invest in the future of culinary innovation, sustainability, and enterprise. For Press Inquiries & Media Partnerships:Email: info@culinaragroup.comSocials: @theekoflavours Eko Flavours JuniorFlavours of the Future

Lagos State has officially unveiled Eko Flavours Junior Edition, a school-based culinary competition designed to discover and nurture culinary talents among students aged 10–13. The initiative, themed “Flavours of the Future”, is a collaboration between the Ministry of Agriculture & Food Systems, the Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education, the Culinara Group, and other key stakeholders. During the unveiling event, Commissioner for Agriculture and Food Systems, Ms. Abisola Olusanya, emphasized that the competition is not just about cooking but also about exposing students to the interconnectedness of agriculture, food, education, and career opportunities. The aim is to inspire creativity and promote a culture of innovation and sustainability in the food sector. Key Dates & Format The competition timeline includes: Exciting Rewards Winners will receive generous cash prizes: These incentives are designed to motivate young participants and support their future development in food and nutrition careers. The program goes beyond competition. Through mentorship, hands-on cooking experiences, and exposure to food system concepts, students will learn essential skills in: Project Lead John Fadejola noted that the initiative introduces students to agriculture in a relatable way, building interest in food systems and innovation. The Lagos State Government sees Eko Flavours Junior as part of its broader youth development strategy. Permanent Secretary Emmanuel Audu reinforced the program’s alignment with the state’s vision to promote family bonding, create jobs, and achieve food security through knowledge-sharing and early exposure.If you know a student who fits the criteria, now is the time to encourage them to register before June 30.

The Commissioner, Abisola Olusanya and Permanent Secretary for Lagos State Ministry of Agriculture and Food Systems (Audu Emmanuel) on Friday May 16, hosted the Eko Flavours team to a strategic alignment meeting with the Ministry of Education, alongside Educational District Heads and other key stakeholders. The session focused on finalizing the participating schools for the maiden edition of Eko Flavours Junior, while strengthening inter-ministerial collaboration around culinary education, youth engagement, and the broader vision for food system development in Lagos. With shared commitment and the momentum behind this movement, Eko Flavours Junior is set to make history, shaping young minds, spotlighting culinary excellence, and delivering a legacy of impact that will be felt far beyond the kitchen.

The Lagos State Government, under the leadership of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has launched the Eko Flavours initiative, a culinary competition designed to showcase the rich and diverse food culture of Lagos. Coordinated by the Lagos State Ministry of Agriculture and Food Systems, the event aims to promote local talent and culinary creativity. Registration for Eko Flavours opened on August 8, 2024, and is open to residents aged 18 and above who possess a valid Lagos State Resident Registration Agency (LASRRA) card. The competition offers participants a unique platform to display their culinary skills, with judging based on creativity, social media engagement, and the overall appeal of their dishes. The competition’s structure includes multiple stages: the top 50 contestants, determined by social media engagement, will advance to specific tasks. From there, the top 20 will proceed to the quarterfinals at the Lagos Fresh Food Hub in Idi Oro, Mushin, on September 28. Subsequent rounds will narrow the field to 10 semifinalists and then to five finalists, culminating in a grand finale on October 5. Prizes include ₦5 million for the winner, ₦3 million for the first runner-up, and ₦1 million for the second runner-up, with additional consolation prizes for other deserving contestants. Commissioner for Agriculture and Food Systems, Ms. Abisola Olusanya, emphasized the state’s commitment to promoting local talent and celebrating Lagos’s food culture through initiatives like Eko Flavours.