Food is far more than a basic necessity or a cultural centerpieceit is a powerful economic engine. On June 18th, 2026, in commemoration of World Gastronomy Day, industry leaders, policymakers, chefs, and investors gathered at The Library in Victoria Island, Lagos, for a landmark event that has permanently shifted the conversation around Nigeria’s food ecosystem. Hosted by the Lagos State Ministry of Agriculture and Food Systems in partnership with Culinara Group, Tantacom, and the Most Influential People of African Descent (MIPAD), the eventthemed “A Seat at the Table”served as a rallying cry for the nation. It marked a definitive moment where practitioners and experts aligned to position culinary heritage and agribusiness as vital tools for national development. Moving From Culture to Commerce For too long, gastronomy has been viewed primarily through a cultural lens. The consensus from the World Gastronomy Day roundtable is clear: it is time to recognize food as a multi-billion naira industry capable of driving inclusive growth, creating sustainable jobs, and securing foreign investment. The Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Mr. Emmanuel Audu, perfectly captured this intersection during the event proceedings: “Gastronomy sits at the crossroads of culture and commerce. When we invest in our farmers, our chefs, and our food entrepreneurs, we invest in Nigeria’s future.” The event brought together an influential room of decision-makers, including the Lagos State Commissioner for Agriculture and Food Systems, Hon. Abisola Olusanya; Special Adviser Dr. Oluwarotimi Fashola; and the Director-General of the National Council for Arts and Culture (NCAC), Sir Obi Asika. Their collective presence underscored a growing institutional commitment to taking Nigeria’s food economy seriously. Connecting the Entire Value Chain A robust gastronomy economy relies heavily on an integrated, intentional value chain. Real economic development happens when we strengthen the links connecting: When these sectors operate in alignment, the impact trickles down to everyday livelihoods. Industry experts at the event championed several strategic recommendations to institutionalize this growth. Key among these was the proposed establishment of a Lagos Gastronomy Council to bridge the gap between private practitioners and government policy, alongside advocating for dedicated grants and low-interest financing for food startups. Introducing Eko Flavours Season 3.0: Cultivating Food Entrepreneurs Building on the incredible momentum of past iterations, the official unveiling of Eko Flavours Season 3.0 stole the spotlight at the World Gastronomy Day event. For those who followed the journey last year, Season 2 was a spectacular celebration of taste, culinary skill, and raw talent that captured the hearts of food lovers across Nigeria. It proved that our local culinary scene possesses immense creative energy. However, Season 3.0 is designed to take that foundation and elevate it to a completely new level. More than just a culinary competition, Season 3.0 is stepping forward as a dedicated incubator for food innovation, sustainability, and scalable business design. Moving beyond traditional cooking showcases, this season focuses heavily on the business behind the plate. The platform is shifting its core focus toward empowering participants to build sustainable food enterprises, a transition detailed in recent framework briefs. This strategic evolution directly answers long-standing industry demands highlighted in policy discussions, where experts called for gastronomy to be treated as a practical tool for national development and economic self-reliance. To achieve this, Season 3.0 will challenge participants to: By treating the culinary arts with strict professional discipline, Season 3.0 aims to transform passionate cooks into market-ready culinary entrepreneurs. This initiative will provide them with the foundational systems needed to build enterprises that can scale, attract investment, and thrive long after the competition concludes. The extensive buzz across the country ranging from regional strategy briefs to national market commentary underscores the massive anticipation for this new chapter. Eko Flavours is no longer just discovering Nigeria’s best cooks; it is shaping the future leaders of Africa’s food economy. National Industry Perspectives The call to elevate Nigeria’s food economy has resonated deeply across multiple sectors. This collective drive for development has been widely documented by top-tier analysts and industry experts: The table is set, and the roadmap is clear. Unlocking Nigeria’s gastronomy economy requires deliberate cooperation between public intent, private equity, and creative strategy. By shifting our perspective from simply consuming food to scaling the entire food ecosystem, we can protect our urban culinary heritage, build sustainable businesses, and position Nigerian gastronomy as a dominant force on the global stage. The journey has already begun. Stay tuned to Eko Flavours as we unfold the chapters of Season 3.0 and continue to pave the way for culinary excellence and economic impact.

A Seat at the Table: Why Gastronomy is Nigeria’s Next Economic Frontier Read Post »

Last week, Eko Flavours joined the lineup at Motherland Festival 2025, headlining the event’s culinary programme. The festival served as a major cultural gathering, and our team was present to ensure that Lagos’ culinary narrative was part of the conversation. About Motherland Festival Motherland Festival 2025 was a three-day cultural expo designed to unite Nigeria, Africa, and the global diaspora. The event focused on five key areas: culture, business, innovation, creativity, and heritage. Serving as a global stage, the festival hosted a diverse mix of attendees, including global thinkers, entrepreneurs, cultural leaders, policymakers, and creatives. Its core mission was to strengthen cultural identity and build pan-African connections. Eko Flavours’ Role Within this broader cultural celebration, Eko Flavours led the culinary aspect of the festival. Our presence was a strategic collaboration aimed at spotlighting African cuisine and empowering emerging chefs. For two days, Eko Flavours Season 2 Champions took to the stage for culinary demonstrations. The activation allowed us to showcase local ingredients and creative excellence to the high-value audience segments present at the festival, including diaspora returnees and international guests. Partner Support Our activation was enabled by our partners, who provided the necessary infrastructure and ingredients for the sessions: Participating in the Motherland Festival allowed Eko Flavours to align with a global platform celebrating Nigerian excellence. It provided an opportunity to engage with a wide audience and reinforce the importance of culinary culture alongside business and innovation.

Eko Flavours at Motherland Festival 2025 Read Post »

PRESS RELEASE Eko Flavours Champions Shine at SMEDAN x UNDP “Food & Fashion Only” Showcase in Lagos Lagos, Nigeria. The Eko Flavours culinary champions delivered a standout performance at the Food & Fashion Only Showcase, a curated side event of the GROW Nigerian National MSME Conference, hosted by the Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency of Nigeria (SMEDAN) in partnership with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP).The event was held on Sunday, November 16, 2025, at the UNDP Innovation Center in Ikoyi. Designed to spotlight Nigeria’s creative economy across two powerful industries, food and fashion, the showcase brought together top fashion designers, emerging culinary talents, development partners, and MSME stakeholders for an evening of creativity, cultural expression, and enterprise. Eko Flavours Champions Lead the Culinary Showcase Representing Lagos’ most vibrant culinary platform, the Eko Flavours Season 2 Top 3 Chef Agabus (Champion), Chef Martha (First Runner-Up), and Chef Alexander Peace “Chef Luscious” (Second Runner-Up), headlined the food segment with three carefully curated tasting experiences. The chefs each presented a dish inspired by sustainable culinary practices, aligning with SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production, a key thematic focus of the showcase.Their presentations demonstrated ingredient optimisation, zero-waste cooking, responsible portioning, and modern Nigerian plating techniques reinforcing Eko Flavours’ commitment to building environmentally conscious food entrepreneurs. Guests enjoyed a seamless flow of fashion blocks followed by food showcases, allowing each chef to engage the audience with a compelling story behind their dish, their creative process, and their mission within the Nigerian culinary ecosystem. A Platform for MSME Excellence This edition of the Food & Fashion Only event featured nine fashion designers, whose runway collections celebrated African creativity, craftsmanship, and identity. The fusion of fashion and food delivered a powerful narrative around the strength of Nigeria’s MSME sector and the potential for cross-industry collaboration. High-level representatives from SMEDAN and UNDP, including the Director General of SMEDAN, Mr. Charles Odii, Federal Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, the Head of the UNDP Innovation Center, Dr. William Tsuma, Special Adviser to the Lagos State Government on Toursim, Arts and Culture Mr Idris Aregbe, the immediate past Director General of SMEDAN and other dignitaries delivered remarks centered on innovation, enterprise support, and the importance of sustainable systems within Nigeria’s growing creative economy. Eko Flavours: A Vehicle for Sustainable Culinary Development The participation of the Eko Flavours finalists reinforces the platform’s expanding role as a vehicle for culinary talent development, MSME empowerment, and sustainability advocacy. Through its partnership ecosystem and year-round activities, Eko Flavours continues to equip young chefs with the skills, visibility, and opportunities required to thrive from chef branding to business development and environmentally responsible kitchen systems. The showcase provided a strategic opportunity for the chefs to: A Strong Showing for the Culinary Industry The chefs’ performances received enthusiastic reactions from guests, industry leaders, and media representatives. Their dishes, storytelling, and presentation reinforced why Eko Flavours has become one of Africa’s most influential platforms shaping the next generation of culinary entrepreneurs. About Eko Flavours Eko Flavours is Lagos’ leading culinary discovery and development platform, powered by Culinara Group. Through competitions, showcases, training, media content, and strategic partnerships, the platform identifies, equips, and deploys emerging chefs while promoting Lagos cuisine, food culture, and sustainability principles. For Media Enquiries Email: info@culinaragroup.com Instagram: @theekoflavoursFacebook: Eko FlavoursWebsite: www.ekoflavours.com

Eko Flavours Champions Shine at SMEDAN x UNDP “Food & Fashion Only” Showcase in Lagos Read Post »

After a thrilling day of intense culinary competition and creative storytelling at the Grand Finale of Eko Flavours 2.0; A Lagos Food Story, held on Saturday, October 18, Chef Agabus Agboye emerged as the Eko Flavours 2025 Champion, taking home the grand prize of ₦5,000,000! Chef Agabus wowed the judges with his remarkable skill, originality, and authentic Lagos-inspired dish that captured the spirit of the city’s food culture, rich, bold, and full of flavour. Coming closely behind him was Chef Rotimi Martha Oluwadamilola, who impressed both judges and guests to earn the 1st Runner-Up position and a ₦3,000,000 cash prize, while Chef Alexander Peace secured the 2nd Runner-Up spot, walking away with ₦1,000,000. The Grand Finale brought together Lagos’ finest culinary talents, an excited audience, and key stakeholders from the food and hospitality industry. The day featured vibrant cook-offs, live tastings, games, prizes from brand partners, and a true celebration of Lagos’ rich food heritage. Eko Flavours 2025 continues to spotlight culinary excellence and entrepreneurship powered by Culinara Group in partnership with the Lagos State Ministry of Agriculture & Food Systems.

Chef Agabus Agboye Crowned Eko Flavours 2025 Champion! Read Post »

PRESS RELEASEFor Immediate ReleaseDate: Monday, October 6, 2025Eko Flavours Season 2 Unveils Top 20 Contestants as Culinary Journey Heats Up Lagos, Nigeria – Eko Flavours, Africa’s premier culinary showcase powered by Culinara Group inpartnership with the Lagos State Ministry of Agriculture & Food Systems, has officially unveiledthe Top 20 contestants for Season 2 (2025). From over a thousand entries and weeks of rigorous selection, the Top 20 emerged through acompetitive public voting process that recorded overwhelming participation from foodenthusiasts across Lagos and beyond. Each contestant represents creativity, resilience, and theability to tell authentic food stories that celebrate Lagos’ vibrant culinary culture. Delivering the government’s goodwill message, Ms. Abisola Olusanya, Lagos StateCommissioner for Agriculture & Food Systems, emphasized the government’s readiness for thelive shows: “The State is fully prepared for the Eko Flavours live shows, and this marks another step in ourcontinued commitment to Mr. Governor’s THEMES+ agenda. This platform is not only aboutfood, it is about empowering young people, preserving culture, and creating opportunities thatalign with Lagos’ vision for growth.” The Co-CEOs of Culinara Group, Mrs. Olufunke Adu and Ms. Jennifer Odufuwa, expressedexcitement as the competition enters its next phase: “We are moving into the live shows, and we cannot wait for the magic these contestants are about to showcase,” said Jennifer Odufuwa. “These chefs have shown incredible creativity so far, and now the stage is set for them to truly shine in front of Lagos, Nigeria, and the world,” added Olufunke Adu. John Fadejola, Project Lead of Eko Flavours, reflected on the intensity of the journey so far:“The contest was fierce. From music performances to creative skits, the contestants gave theirall in canvassing for votes. The passion we witnessed proves how hungry this generation is totell their food stories in unique ways.” Culinary Director, Chef Adeyinka Arije, praised the creativity of the contestants in earlier stagesand looked ahead with confidence: “The Top 50 displayed remarkable innovation with their tasks, and I am confident the Top 20 will go even further in the live shows. We are about to witness the very best of Lagos’ culinary brilliance.” The Top 20 Contestants are: The Top 20 will advance to the live semi-final and grand finale cook-offs in October, wherementorship, innovation, and cultural storytelling will take centre stage. About Eko FlavoursEko 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 Teaminfo@culinaragroup.com |shammah.oladigbo@tantacom.org+2347062367247 Follow the journey: @theekoflavours on Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, X (Twitter) & YouTube. EkoFlavours2025 #ALagosFoodStory #MyLagosFoodStory

Eko Flavours Season 2 Unveils Top 20 Contestants as Culinary Journey Heats Up Read Post »

Samuel Ejekukor (@pandelight)

For Immediate ReleaseDate: 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 TeamEmail: info@culinaragroup.com | info@tantacom.orgPhone: +2347062367247 Follow the journey: @theekoflavours on Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, X (Twitter) & YouTube EkoFlavours2025 #ALagosFoodStory #MyLagosFoodStory

Eko Flavours Season 2 Unveils Top 50 Contestants – Lagos Food Hub Hosts Shopping Experience Read Post »

The wait is over! After weeks of registrations, video entries, and an incredible showcase of culinary passion from across Lagos, we are proud to unveil the Top 50 contestants of Eko Flavours Season 2: A Lagos Food Story. From hundreds of talented chefs, food vendors, culinary students, and creators who submitted their entries, these 50 individuals stood out with their creativity, presentation, and unique take on what Lagos food means to them. Each contestant has a story to tell, a dish to present, and a dream to share—and now they are one step closer to becoming the next Eko Flavours Champion. Eko Flavours is not just a cooking competition; it is a celebration of Lagos’ diverse culinary culture, highlighting how food connects people, tells stories, and shapes identity. With over ₦15 million in prizes and life-changing opportunities for growth, Season 2 promises to be even bigger, bolder, and tastier than ever before. The Top 50 Contestants Here are the amazing culinary talents who have made it into the Top 50: What’s Next? This is only the beginning. The Top 50 contestants will now go through the next phase of the competition as they battle to secure a spot in the Top 20. Each stage will test not only their cooking skills but also their creativity, storytelling, and ability to represent the flavours of Lagos. Stay tuned as the kitchen heats up and the stories unfold. Who will rise to the challenge and take their place as one of Lagos’ finest culinary stars? Follow us on Instagram, TikTok, and Facebook @theekoflavours and keep an eye on the hashtag #EkoFlavours2025 for updates, behind-the-scenes content, and contestant highlights.

Eko Flavours 2025: Meet the Top 50 Contestants Read Post »

Eko Flavours is back  bigger, bolder, and even more flavorful! After the resounding success of its maiden edition last year, Culinara Group’s premier culinary competition has officially launched Eko Flavours 2.0, and registration is now open for aspiring chefs and passionate home cooks across the state. This exciting event is organized by the Culinara Group in partnership with Lagos State Ministry of Agriculture and Food Systems, and it continues to celebrate the rich diversity, talent, and creativity within Lagos’ vibrant food culture. A Look Back at the First Edition The first-ever Eko Flavours was nothing short of spectacular. It brought together some of Lagos’ most talented culinary minds, each with a unique story and creative flair. Chef Isaiah Oyede stole the spotlight and emerged as the grand champion, taking home a grand prize of ₦5 million. The first runner-up, Omobonike Awosanmi, received ₦3 million, while second runner-up Oreoluwakitan Badejo earned ₦1 million. Finalists Ibidun Layade and Enitan Akorede also impressed with their creativity, winning ₦600,000 and ₦400,000 respectively. The event was more than a competition; it was a celebration of Lagos’ food heritage, a showcase of innovation, and a platform for chefs to share their passion with a wider audience. It left both participants and spectators eagerly anticipating what would come next. Eko Flavours 2.0 The second edition of Eko Flavours promises to be even more exciting, with bigger challenges, more opportunities for contestants, and heightened competition. Whether you’re a professional chef, a culinary student, or a home cook with a dream, this is your chance to showcase your skills, creativity, and passion for food. Just like the previous edition, this year’s competition will feature multiple stages, including online registration, selection, voting rounds, and a grand finale where the top contestants will face off in front of a live audience and expert judges. Along the way, participants will not only compete for incredible prizes but also gain valuable exposure, build networks, and inspire other food lovers across Lagos. How to Register for Eko Flavours 2.0 Registration for Eko Flavours 2.0 is officially open and completely online. Here’s how to secure your spot: Once submitted, you will receive a confirmation email with further details about the next steps in the competition. If you believe you have what it takes to be Lagos’ next culinary champion, register now and take the first step toward making your mark on the city’s food scene. 

Eko Flavours 2.0: Registration Now Open for Lagos’ Biggest Culinary Competition Read Post »

In a heartwarming celebration of talent, passion, and Nigeria’s rich food culture, 10-year-old Boluwatife Jaiye Gbenle emerged as the grand winner of the Eko Flavours Junior Grand Finale, taking home a ₦3 million cash prize. The final event, held on Saturday, July 26th, 2025, at the Lagos Fresh Food Hub, Idi Oro, Mushin, marked the peak of a spirited culinary competition that saw over 200 talented young chefs compete from across Lagos State. Boluwatife impressed judges and guests with his creativity, technical skills, and bold presentation. He earned the prestigious title of Eko Flavours Junior Champion and was named an Ambassador of the Lagos State Food System Oluwaseyifunmi Quassi emerged as first runner-up with a ₦2 million prize, while James Okafor and Akinsola Oluwatobiloba were both second runners-up, winning ₦1 million each during the final of the competition held at the Fresh Food Hub, Idi Oro, Mushin, Lagos. Adelugba Semilore, Agugua Kamsi, Princess Tifeoluwani, Muhammadul Awwal Tijani, Oluwatara Semilore Marvellous, and Adewara Daystar, who were part of the 10 finalists, were also rewarded for their efforts with consolation prizes. Speaking during the final of the competition attended by government officials, sponsors from private organisations, and large crowds from different sectors, Lagos State Commissioner for Agriculture and Food Systems, Ms. Abisola Olusanya, said the initiative was conceived by the wife of the Governor, Dr. Ibijoke Sanwo Olu, to encourage creativity and teamwork among children as well as pride in the nation’s food heritage. Olusanya, who was optimistic that the competition would create job opportunities and a sustainable future in the food sector, urged participants to see the competition as a stepping stone to greater heights in the culinary sector. She said “It is a big win for the winners. Everyone here won today. But more importantly, we have achieved our aim of showcasing the culinary skills of our kids and also exposing them to the fact that there is a lot of opportunity in the food system space. For the winners, I believe they are going to get endorsement deals from some of our sponsors. They would work with us in the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Systems as our ambassadors.” “We have a lot of events that we also need catering services for, so nothing stops them from being a part of us. And that is the essence of what we are doing, creating chefs, master creators, and food content creators for the future.” Speaking about the competition, the co-CEO of Culinara Group, Mrs. Olufunke Adu and Jennifer Oduduwa, commended all the participants for putting in their efforts in the competition, saying they are all winners. Adu said the Eko Flavour Junior was organised to encourage a shift from the regular white collar job for the young minds to embrace culinary and other vocational skills to excel in life. She challenged parents to train their children from a young age in cooking, washing, and other house chores to be useful to themselves and the society at large. Odufuwa said about 200 participants took part in the event, out of which 10 people and 20 people who participated in the semi-final of the cooking competition were selected as finalists to participate in the Grand Finale that produced Jaiye-Gbenle as Eko Flavour Junior Champion.  She said: “We want to encourage the children that beyond the classroom, they can take on leadership roles in terms of the skills and the things that bring family together, which is cooking. Cooking is one of the things that bring families together. We want the kids to know that they can aspire to be somebody within the food ecosystem.”  The Eko Flavours Junior competition, organised by the Lagos State Ministry of Agriculture and Food Systems in partnership with The Culinara Group, is a clear example of how food can be a powerful tool for youth empowerment and national development.

10-Year-Old Boluwatife Jaiye Gbenle Crowned Champion with ₦3 Million Prize Read Post »

Date: July 26, 2025 Top 10 Finalists Emerge in the Eko Flavours Junior 2025 Cooking Competition Lagos, Nigeria – The culinary heat turned up a notch at the semi-finals of Eko Flavours Junior 2025, as 10 exceptional junior chefs secured their place in the grand finale of Lagos’ premier children’s food talent showcase. Organized by Culinara Group in partnership with the Lagos State Ministry of Agriculture and Food Systems, the event is part of an ongoing effort to discover, groom, and celebrate the next generation of food innovators from across the state. At the end of the semi-final showdown, Honourable Commissioner Ms. Abisola Olusanya gave an inspiring charge to the Top 20 contestants, applauding their creativity, discipline, and passion for food. She congratulated the Top 10 Finalists, encouraging them to continue nurturing their talents as ambassadors of Lagos’ food culture. The Top 10 who will now battle it out at the Grand Finale on Saturday, July 26, 2025, at the Fresh Food Hub, Idi-Oro Mushin, are:• Chef Timothy (Akinsola Oluwatobiloba Timothy)• Chef Semilore (Adelugba Oluwasemilore)• Chef Daystar (Adewara Daystar)• Chef Bolu (Boluwatife Jaiye)• Chef Marvellous (Oluwataramise Marvellous Afolabi)• Chef Tijani (Muhammadul Awwal Tijani)• Chef Kamsi (Agugua Kamsi)• Chef Princess (Princess Tifoluwani Adepiton)• Chef James (James Okafor)• Chef Precious (Quassi Oluwaseyifunmi Precious) The competition is proudly powered by Culinara Group and supported by a robust network of partners, including:👉 FirstBank Nigeria👉 Olam Agri👉 Eko Rice👉 Woodscope👉 Nestlé Pure Life👉 FanMilk Nigeria👉 TGI Group👉 Tomi Drink👉 Indomie Nigeria👉 Fiesta👉 Bonjour👉 LACE With ₦10,000,000 worth of prizes up for grabs, the grand finale will feature a thrilling 3-course meal challenge, audience engagement, culinary entertainment, and a live showcase of Lagos’ brightest young talents. 📍 Attendance is free, but registration is required at: ekoflavours.com/event Media Contact:John FadejolaHead, Marketing & CommunicationsEko Flavours Junior 2025📞 +234 706 236 7247📧 info@culinaragroup.com

Top 10 Finalists Emerge in the Eko Flavours Junior 2025 Cooking Competition Read Post »

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