Get Guardian on Google…..Lagos Highlights Economic Opportunities in the Culinary Industry
A female chef, Hannah Ayorinde, has won the N5 million cash prize in the Lagos State Government’s culinary competition, Eko Flavours Season 3.
Ayorinde defeated more than 100 other participants to become the Eko Flavours Season 3 champion in the competition organised by the Lagos State Ministry of Agriculture and Food Systems in conjunction with Culinara Group.
Jagila Colman finished as the first runner-up, receiving ₦3 million, while Moyin Fashina emerged as the second runner-up, with a ₦2 million prize.
The winners were announced during the final of Eko Flavours Season 3, a Lagos State culinary talent initiative focused on discovering and developing culinary talent and connecting participants to business opportunities and the wider food industry. The event was held on Saturday night in Lekki, Lagos.
Speaking at the event, Lagos State Commissioner for Agriculture and Food Systems, Ms Abisola Olusanya, called for greater recognition of the economic opportunities within the culinary industry, stressing that agriculture extends beyond food production to encompass businesses, employment, tourism and other creative sectors.
She noted that Eko Flavours Season 3 had brought together talents from different fields to create unique culinary experiences, demonstrating how collaboration across sectors could generate economic value and support the growth of the creative economy.
Describing the third season as a learning experience, the Commissioner said the competition had showcased exceptional talent, innovative ideas and collaborations supported by organisations and industry partners.
She encouraged young Nigerians to look beyond conventional career choices such as medicine, law, engineering and architecture, noting that culinary arts also offer viable opportunities for entrepreneurship, professional development and wealth creation.
Olusanya described the third season of Eko Flavours, the last under Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s administration, as an emotional milestone, noting that the competition had helped many chefs and young Nigerians improve their culinary skills. She also commended the Governor of Lagos State, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, for his commitment to and support for the Eko Flavours initiative over the past three years.
The co-CEO of Culinara Group, Mrs Jennifer Odufuwa, said Eko Flavours had grown beyond a cooking competition into a platform for building entrepreneurs, food creators, employers and businesses.
She explained that participants from previous seasons had gone on to establish and expand businesses, secure brand partnerships, build online audiences, develop food products and gain opportunities in professional kitchens.
Odufuwa said the season’s theme, “Nothing Wasted,” reflected a broader commitment to ensuring that talent, ideas, culture and opportunities are not overlooked. She stressed that discovering talent was only the beginning, while access to mentorship, funding, visibility and markets would determine how far participants could go.
Also speaking, Culinara Group Co-CEO Mrs Olufunke Adu said the contestants had undergone intensive training and mentorship, and that the programme was designed to develop their skills and prepare them for opportunities beyond the competition.
Adu announced that episodes from the season would begin airing weekly from 4 November through mid-December.
She added that the top 25 contestants who reached the final stage would remain part of the culinary development pipeline, with opportunities for further training, business growth, brand ambassadorship and commercial partnerships.
Adu said the additional opportunities included culinary school scholarships, professional development and international exposure through collaborations with industry stakeholders, including the Canadian culinary sector.
Speaking after her victory, winner Hannah Ayorinde expressed her happiness at emerging as the winner and encouraged aspiring contestants to approach future editions with hard work, determination and commitment.
She urged those hoping to participate in the next season to remain focused and put in the necessary effort to succeed in the competition.
Organisers said Eko Flavours would continue to build a community that connects culinary talent with the knowledge, networks and opportunities required to turn their skills into sustainable businesses and careers.
