The Lagos State Government has presented cash prizes worth N10 million and other gifts to outstanding participants in the Eko Flavours Food Competition, themed “A Lagos Food Story.”
The contest, organised by the Ministry of Agriculture in collaboration with Culinara Group, took place on Saturday at the Fresh Food Hub in Mushin. Ten contestants competed across four categories — sandwich-making, appetisers, main course, and dessert — showcasing their culinary skills and creativity.
Commissioner for Agriculture and Food Systems, Abisola Olusanya, said the programme was part of the state’s efforts to strengthen connections across the food value chain, from research and production to distribution and innovation.
“Most of the people competing today are young, between the ages of 20 and 35. We see this as a springboard to catapult their businesses and vocational skills to greater heights,” Olusanya said.
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Agabus Agboye emerged overall winner and received N5 million, while the first runner-up, Rotimi Oluwadamilola, and the second runner-up, Alexander Peace, went home with N3 million and N2 million respectively. Other contestants received consolation prizes and gift items from event sponsors.
Olusanya added that the government was intensifying efforts to boost local food production through its “Produce for Lagos” initiative, which links producers to markets and ensures fair pricing and quality standards.
Co-founder of Culinara Group, Jennifer Odufuwa, said the competition was designed to discover new culinary talents and connect them to opportunities in Nigeria’s growing food industry.
“We’re showcasing the next generation of culinary giants in Nigeria. Beyond cash prizes, they’ll gain partnerships, visibility, and access to an accelerator programme to help them understand the business side of being a chef,” she said.
Odufuwa further explained that the goal was to merge creativity, entrepreneurship, and digital content creation to build global ambassadors of Nigerian cuisine.
“When you pair their craft with entrepreneurship and content creation, we’ll definitely have the next Ify’s Kitchen or Hilda Baci. That’s what we’re pursuing here,” she said.
