The Lagos State Government has launched the Eko Flavours project, a transformative platform designed to highlight the state’s culinary diversity and the talents of young chefs and local market vendors. The initiative, introduced during a press conference by the Lagos State Commissioner for Agriculture and Food Systems, Ms. Abiola Olusanya, took place on Friday at the Fresh Food Hub in Idi Oro, Mushin.
Ms. Olusanya explained that the Eko Flavours project, created in partnership with the private sector, aims to revitalize food markets across Lagos as part of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s broader strategy to improve the state’s food systems. She emphasized that the project will serve as an annual culinary platform where food vendors and chefs can showcase their skills and interact with food enthusiasts. The inaugural edition is scheduled for August 2024.
“Eko Flavours is designed to engage young culinary enthusiasts and food lovers, showcasing Lagos as a transformative state in food experiences,” Olusanya stated. She highlighted the importance of organized markets in the state, which can lead to easier purchasing processes and lower food prices through better demand measurement and price negotiation.
The Eko Flavours project will feature diverse cultural dishes prepared by various chefs residing in Lagos. Chefs interested in participating must register with the Lagos State Residents Registration Agency (LASRRA) and sign up on the project’s dedicated website, www.ekoflavours.lagosfreshfoodhub.com, starting August 1.
The Co-CEOs of Tantacom Group, Mrs. Olufunke Adu and Mrs. Jennifer Odufuwa, who represent the Project Management Agency, emphasized the project’s goal of fostering unity among Lagos’ diverse ethnic groups through their unique culinary traditions. They assured that all participants would receive adequate compensation, with the competition providing a platform for chefs and cooking enthusiasts to showcase their skills.
Adu explained that the competition will open for registration on August 1. From August 5, residents can vote for their favorite entries. The top 50 most engaged posts will earn vouchers to purchase fresh food items at the Mushin Fresh Food Hub. These 50 will be narrowed down to the best 20 chefs who will compete for a spot in the final on August 31.
Odufuwa detailed the prizes, with the Eko Flavours Champion Ambassador receiving a N5 million cash reward, an award plaque, a one-year supply of free products, a N200,000 shopping voucher for the Mushin Fresh Food Hub, a certificate of achievement, and a winner’s trophy. The first runner-up will receive N3 million, a six-month supply of products, a N100,000 shopping voucher, a certificate, and an award plaque. The second runner-up will win N1 million, a three-month supply of products, a N50,000 shopping voucher, a certificate, and an award plaque. The fourth and fifth places will also receive cash prizes.
Participants can enter by posting a cooking vlog on their social media handles and tagging the project. The content with the most interactions will be among the top 50 selected for the next competition stage. Judging criteria will include taste, cleanliness, time management, and presentation.
The Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Systems, Mr. Emmanuel Audu, encouraged all stakeholders in the food ecosystem to leverage the Eko Flavours opportunity, which he believes can propel participants into the global spotlight.
