The Lagos State Government has launched the Eko Flavours project with the aim of showcasing the state as a transformative leader in the eco food system.
The state Commissioner for Agriculture and Food System, Ms. Abisola Olusanya, announced this at a joint media briefing with the major partner of the project at the Market Food Hub in the Mushin area of the state.
Olusanya disclosed that the initiative comes with many benefits for all stakeholders in the food value chain, including local vendors, who play a vital role in the sector.
She emphasized that people tend to focus on food processors and neglect the market women who are the last resort in getting food to residents and final consumers.
The Commissioner noted that Eko Flavours will ensure that markets are organized for easy buying and will monitor the quality of food that comes into Lagos, eventually translating into lower costs for final consumers.
According to her, the state government, through activities at the Food Hub in Mushin, has data on what is purchased and consumed by residents on a regular basis.
She explained further that the Eko Flavours project is designed to cater to food enthusiasts and those who love food, adding that Lagos is a home for all in terms of food variety and provides an opportunity for young people to showcase their talents and benefit from it.
Abisola Olusanya described Eko Flavours as one of the pilot projects of the Transformation Agenda by Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu in the agricultural sector.
The Eko Flavours project is expected to run every Wednesday and Saturday at the Market Food Hub in Mushin, and it is intended to become an annual event. The Commissioner also solicited support from the private sector to make it bigger.
On her part, the Co-Chief Executive Officer of Tantecom Group, Olufunke Adu, said the initiative was designed to discover and bring together upcoming chefs, enthusiasts, and people who love cooking.
She expressed the view that the competition will provide a platform for foodies in the state to explore a variety of cuisines and to showcase their skills beyond their expectations.
Olufunke Adu disclosed that most popular chefs, like Hilda Bassey, are known primarily through social media, adding that Eko Flavours will bring the discovered talents directly to engage with the community.
She announced that the website for the competition will open on the first of August for people to send in their entries. On the 5th, residents are expected to vote for their favorites, and by the 9th of August, the best 50 among them will emerge.
Olufunke Adu continued that the grand finale of the competition will be held on the 31st of August.
While shedding more light on the competition, Jennifer Odufuwa, who is also a co-CEO of Tantecom Group, said that the project aims to encourage youth in the space of content creation.
She mentioned that there will be two rounds of participation before selecting the Eko Flavours champions, with the winner taking home ₦5 million along with becoming the brand ambassador and receiving a one-year supply of products.
The second place will receive ₦3 million and a six-month supply of products, she added, while the third place will receive ₦1 million and a three-month supply of products, among other prizes.
On his part, the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry, Mr. Emmanuel Audu, urged many players in the food ecosystem to take full advantage of the opportunity.
According to him, Eko Flavours goes beyond just winning prizes; it has the potential to launch participants into global limelight.
