The Lagos State Government has introduced the Eko Flavours project, a platform designed to showcase the state’s culinary diversity and the skills of young chefs and local food vendors. This initiative aims to position Lagos as Nigeria’s culinary hub.
Objectives and Vision
Ms Olusanya highlighted that Eko Flavours, in collaboration with the private sector, is part of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s strategy to enhance the state’s food system. The project aims to transform food markets in Lagos and provide a platform for culinary talents to shine.
Key Features of Eko Flavours
- Annual Event: The project will be held annually, with the 2024 edition set for August.
- Market Organisation: The initiative aims to create organized markets, making food purchasing more efficient and affordable by allowing for demand measurement and price negotiation.
- Culinary Showcases: Chefs will display their cooking skills and present a variety of cultural dishes.
- Youth Engagement: The project targets young culinary enthusiasts and food lovers.
Participation and Registration
Chefs with Lagos State Residents Registration Agency identification can register for the competition starting 1 August at [www.ekoflavours.lagosfreshfoodhub.com](http://www.ekoflavours.lagosfreshfoodhub.com).
Competition Structure and Prizes
The competition will feature a series of rounds, leading to a grand finale:
– Registration and Voting: Begins on 1 August, with residents voting for their favourite chefs from 5 August.
– Initial Selection: The top 50 most engaged content pieces will receive vouchers to purchase fresh food items for cooking.
– Final Selection: The best 20 chefs will compete, with the top five moving to the final on 31 August.
Rewards
– Champion Ambassador: N5 million cash prize, award plaque, one-year supply of free products, N200,000 shopping voucher, certificate of achievement, and winner’s trophy.
– First Runner-Up: N3 million cash prize, six-month supply of products, N100,000 shopping voucher, certificate of achievement, and award plaque.
– Second Runner-Up: N1 million cash prize, three-month supply of products, N50,000 shopping voucher, certificate of achievement, and award plaque.
– Fourth and Fifth Positions: Additional cash prizes.
Additional Information
The project is managed by Tantacom Group, with co-CEOs Mrs Olufunke Adu and Mrs Jennifer Odufuwa emphasizing the initiative’s role in promoting unity among diverse ethnicities through food.
Ms Adu stated, “Alatpay is the future… positioning Nigerian businesses to seamlessly acquire transactions worldwide.”
Mr Emmanuel Audu, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Systems, urged stakeholders to leverage Eko Flavours to gain global recognition.
Eko Flavours promises to be a significant platform for discovering and nurturing culinary talent in Lagos, driving economic growth, and promoting cultural unity through food.
