The Lagos State Government has expressed delight with the enthusiasm that greeted the entries for the Eko Flavours cooking competition, stating it is optimistic about the culinary industry growing alongside Nollywood.
The state Commissioner for Agriculture and Food Systems, Ms. Abisola Olusanya, disclosed this in Alausa, Ikeja, at the unveiling of the fifty participants selected for the quarterfinal rounds of the competition.
She explained that those selected will be given free tickets to purchase food items at the Food Hub in Mushin, prepare a meal from them, and then upload their submissions for members of the public to vote for the best 20 for the semifinal phase.
She noted that the initiative aims to showcase healthy varieties of delicacies and assorted meals available for residents, despite their lean budgets and the current economic reality.
Abisola Olusanya also disclosed that Eko Flavours was designed to highlight activities around clean and sanitized markets in the state to enhance the overall experience.
According to her, schools from different parts of the state also regularly visit the Food Hub on excursions, adding that the competition provides a platform for the public and private sectors to promote the variety of food items in the state.
The commissioner noted that every stage of the competition is devoid of bias, stating that based on the videos sent in, the public will vote to select the top 20, after which experienced judges will decide who advances to the semifinal round.
She said that the quarterfinal will be held on the 25th of September, the semifinal on the 28th, and the final on the 5th of October at the Food Hub in Mushin.
The CEO of Tantacom Group, Jenifer Odufuwa, disclosed that about 194 entries were received, which were pruned down to 70 based on those who met the criteria, before selecting 50 for the quarterfinal stage.
Also speaking at the event, a popular Lagos-based chef, Ladi Smith, said that some of the entries were inspiring but noted that some were overqualified for the cooking competition.
He said that the culinary industry is growing rapidly, with Nigerians occupying top positions in five-star hospitality centers and some registering their names in the Guinness Book of Records.
Among the 50 qualifiers for the quarterfinals are Pandelight Lagos, Mercy Ogbonna, Abisola Rebecca, Adenike Oluwanishola, Sanusi Olumide, Bello Balogun Kehinde, Adebayo Jumoke, and Adenike Oluwanishola.
Some of the sponsors of Eko Flavours include Zenith Bank, Providus Bank, Glo, Natnudo Foods, Olam, Spar, Eko Rice, and Flour Mills.
