Culinary
By Aderonke Ojediran
Lagos, Oct. 17, 2025 (NAN) The second edition of Eko Flavours, a Lagos-based cooking show organised by the Lagos State Ministry of Agriculture and Food Systems, in partnership with the Culinara Group, has kicked off with fanfare, creativity and a spirit of healthy competition.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that top 20 contestants were selected from the 50 chefs that registered for the competition.
With the theme, “My Lagos Story”, the culinary contest aims to spotlight local cuisines, promote food innovation and empower chefs in the state’s growing food ecosystem.
The Commissioner for Agriculture and Food Systems, Ms Abisola Olusanya, said the show had grown remarkably since its debut, reflecting the state government’s commitment to youth empowerment and the creative economy.
She announced that winners of the competition would go home with cash prizes of N5 million, N3 million and N2 million for the first, second and third positions respectively, in addition to several consolation prizes for outstanding participants
“We have seen the level of preparedness from the chefs, they have wowed us all, like I told them when I met with them, making it this far shows that they’re destined for great things.
“In years to come, we hope to see these chefs from this platform be renowned like the famous Gordon Ramsay, we can’t wait to see the greatness and their full potential,” she said.
Co-founders of Culinara Group, Mrs Jenifer Odufunwa and Mrs Funke Adu, said the second edition was “bigger, better and more exciting”, describing it as a platform that not only celebrates Lagos flavours but also connects chefs to business opportunities.
“We are thrilled to see how Eko Flavours has evolved from an idea into a vibrant culinary movement,” Adu said.
“This second edition is not just about competition, it’s about collaboration, visibility and giving Lagos chefs a stage to shine locally and internationally,” Odufunwa said.
Popular food critic, Opeyemi Famakinwa, a judge on the show, commended creators of Eko flavours for always selecting top notch chefs for the tournament.
“I was here last year and I tell you for free then, quality of chefs we have on this show is the best, they always come prepared.
“It goes to show that like most things, Lagos State is a pioneer, and in the culinary space, the same is being replicated. I expect the best food experience telling the authentic Lagos story,” he said.
He also urged Nigerian chefs to explore beyond popular recipes such as jollof rice and suya, encouraging them to showcase the country’s vast culinary diversity.
“We need to put other Nigerian dishes on the global map. There’s banga, fisherman’s soup, and so many flavours yet to be explored. Lagos is setting the stage for that kind of innovation,” he added.
Similarly, Mrs Ify Mogekwu, also know as Chef Ify, a judge on the competition, said that she expects nothing but the finest cuisine telling the Lagos story.
“Lagos is doing what many states haven’t done investing in the culinary sector.
“Some chefs’ careers will begin from here and grow to international levels. Cooking alone isn’t enough anymore; chefs need confidence, creativity and business skills to thrive.”
“This is fantastic, I’m certain that we will be thrilled by different meals curated to tell a Lagos Story, it’s great to be back,” she said.
One of the contestants, Damilola Afolabi, expressed optimism about her chances, saying she joined the competition to enhance her visibility and “prove that Lagos has some of the most talented young chefs in Nigeria”.
The ongoing Eko Flavours Season 2 which will climax on Saturday with winner emerging, continues to attract attention across Nigeria’s food industry, reinforcing Lagos’ reputation to the world as the country’s culinary capital.(NAN)
