Onyealisi Chinaza Ruth
Culinary Student · Surulere
8+ years cooking experiencePersonal information
- Full name
- Onyealisi Chinaza Ruth
- Location
- Surulere
- Gender
- Female
- Age
- 28
- Phone
- 09071256914
- chinazaruth2@gmail.com
- Residential address
- No. 63 Femi Ayantuga Crescent off Adelabu Surulere.
- Social handles
- Instagram @chef_chizzy121r
Applicant profile
- Applicant type
- Culinary Student
- Applicant type other
- A graduate of wavecrest college of catering and hospitality management technology
- Current occupation
- Chef
- Cooking experience
- 8+ years
Competition experience
- Prior competitions
- Yes
- Competition details
- Two months ago, I participated in a Sustainable Hospitality and Local Roots Competition at my school, Wavecrest College of Hospitality, and emerged as the winner. The experience challenged me to combine my hospitality knowledge, creativity, teamwork, and practical skills to deliver an outstanding result. Winning the competition strengthened my confidence in my abilities and motivated me to continue developing myself as a culinary professional. It also taught me the importance of creativity, sustainability, attention to detail, and performing confidently under pressure. This achievement has inspired me to take on bigger challenges. I see Eko Flavours Season 3 as the perfect opportunity to showcase my culinary talent and passion for Nigerian cuisine on a larger platform.
Competition readiness
- Available throughout competition
- Yes
Entrepreneurship and impact
- Runs a food business
- No
- Business name
- Non
- Business type
- Non
- Years in operation
- 8 yrs+
- Business challenge
- Anxiety and stage fright.
Culinary journey
My culinary journey began with my passion for food and my decision to study Hospitality Management at Wavecrest College of Hospitality. Through my training, I have developed practical knowledge in food preparation, kitchen operations, food and beverage service and hospitality management. My education has taught me that cooking is more than preparing food. It is about creativity, culture, precision, presentation and creating memorable experiences.
As I continued learning and gaining practical experience, I became more confident in exploring flavours, techniques, and different ways of presenting food. Nigerian cuisine especially inspires me because of its rich heritage, bold flavours, diversity, and ability to bring people together.
I see Eko Flavours as an opportunity to challenge myself, showcase my creativity, learn from experienced culinary professionals and represent the beauty of Nigerian food in my own unique way. I have grown from a passionate hospitality student into a confident culinary professional and I will use my skills to tell Nigerian food stories through every dish I create.
Cooking inspiration
I am inspired by the opportunity to take traditional Nigerian flavours and give them my own creative touch while still respecting their cultural identity. Most importantly, I am inspired by the joy people experience when they taste something I have prepared. Seeing someone enjoy my food motivates me to keep learning, experimenting and becoming a better chef.
Signature dish
My signature dish is Abacha and Nkwobi, a combination that represents my love for rich Nigerian flavours and my Igbo culinary heritage. I love this dish because it brings together the unique texture and earthy flavour of African salad (Abacha) with the rich, spicy and beautifully seasoned taste of Nkwobi.
What makes my version special is the attention I give to flavour, texture, seasoning and presentation. I enjoy taking these traditional dishes and presenting them in a modern, attractive way while preserving the authentic flavours that make them special.
Abacha and Nkwobi are more than just food. They represent culture, family, celebration and the creativity of Nigerian cuisine. Through this dish, I want to show that our traditional foods can be preserved, celebrated and presented in a way that appeals to both the older generation and a new generation of food lovers.
Why I want to participate
I want to participate in Eko Flavours Season 3 because I see it as an opportunity to showcase my culinary talent, creativity, and passion for Nigerian cuisine on a bigger platform. As a hospitality student and the recent winner of my school’s Sustainable Hospitality Competition, I am ready to challenge myself and take my skills to the next level.
What winning would mean
Winning Eko Flavours Season 3 would mean more to me than simply receiving a title. It would be a major milestone in my culinary journey and a confirmation that my passion, hard work, creativity, and dedication to Nigerian cuisine can take me to greater heights.
Most importantly, winning would inspire me to dream bigger and encourage other young Nigerians to believe that with passion, determination and continuous learning, they can turn their talents into something remarkable. It would be the beginning of a much bigger culinary journey for me, not the end.
