The Lagos State government, through the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Systems, in partnership with the Culinary Group, has launched the third season of the EkoFlavours culinary competition. This initiative aims to discover, develop, and connect emerging food entrepreneurs with opportunities in Nigeria's growing culinary industry. The competition seeks to provide a platform for young people to develop their talents into viable careers and businesses.
Commissioner for Agriculture and Food Systems, Abisola Olusanya, emphasized the importance of investing in creative opportunities for children and young people. She encouraged young people to explore talents beyond conventional career paths and stressed that creativity should not be restricted by traditional notions of what constitutes a career. Olusanya urged parents, organizations, and individuals to support initiatives that promote creativity among children.
According to Olusanya, initiatives such as culinary arts provide children and young people with opportunities to experiment, express themselves, and discover possibilities beyond the classroom. She noted that EkoFlavours should not be viewed merely as a contest but as a platform for creating pathways for young people to develop their talents into viable careers and businesses. Collective support is needed to expose more children to creative opportunities.
The current stage of the EkoFlavours selection process is only the beginning, with further rounds to be held before finalists emerge for the main competition. Olusanya called on individuals and organizations passionate about the creative sector to support the initiative and help expand opportunities for young talents across Lagos. The program also offers financial rewards and mentorship to participants.
Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Agriculture and Food Systems, Emmanuel Audu, said the program was designed to strengthen efforts to identify young people with talent and business interests in the food and culinary sector. Over 300 applicants entered the competition, and the ongoing virtual pitching stage will be used to identify the strongest contestants. Successful participants will proceed to a food camp for training in culinary skills and business aspects of the food industry.
The program offers financial rewards, with the overall winner to receive N5 million, while the first and second runners-up will receive N3 million and N2 million respectively. Ten finalists will be selected for the final stage, with the grand finale scheduled for November 2026. The initiative provides emerging chefs with visibility, opportunities, and connections to commercial pathways.
Co-Chief Executive Officer of Culinary Group, Jennifer Odufuwa, described the third season as a significant milestone, noting the growth recorded by contestants from previous editions. The ultimate goal of the initiative is to move talented chefs from obscurity to visibility while providing the support and opportunities required to build sustainable careers and businesses in the culinary industry.
Key points
- The Lagos State government has launched EkoFlavours Season 3 to discover and develop emerging food entrepreneurs.
- The program offers financial rewards and mentorship to participants, with the overall winner to receive N5 million.
- The initiative provides a platform for young people to develop their talents into viable careers and businesses in the culinary industry.
