To discover the hidden talents of Nigerians with culinary skills, especially on the street, Newspread.ng, an online newspaper, has launched a street cooking competition tagged Sabi Chef to discover and reward street chefs across Nigeria.

Announcing the cooking competition, the Director/Editor-in-Chief, Newspread.ng, Mr. Uche Nnadozie, stated that the inaugural competition would hold at Muri Okunola Park, Victoria Island, Lagos on December 8, 2023.

Nnadozie said: “Newspread is an independent online newspaper celebrating Nigerians and their accomplishments through news reporting. And the competition is in continuation of the role of showcasing the creativity of Nigerians that we decided to invite street chefs to compete against one another towards elevating their craft and recognising their talent, work ethic in a fast-changing world.”

On celebrating local culture, he said: “Street food is an integral part of our country’s culture, where else is the melting pot of Nigeria’s culture than Lagos State.

“The show provides a platform for talented chefs and cooks to showcase their culinary skills and creativity in preparing street food.”

Nnadozie believes that Sabi Chef, which is going to be a yearly festival in Nigeria, will attract tourists and impact the country’s economy.

To make Sabi Chef, an international festival, CEO of Newspread.ng, Mr. Shola Ewuola, said there is a plan to host a show in London by mid next year.

To participate in the competition, the organisers said: “Every legal resident of Nigeria 18 years and above is qualified to compete to become the Sabi Chef, while professional chefs cannot participate.”