Lagos: The Lagos State Government on Friday unveiled the junior edition of its flagship culinary competition - Eko Flavours. The competition, known as Eko Flavours Junior Edition, is designed to serve as a strategic platform for promoting education, creativity, and innovation among young culinary enthusiasts. Ms. Abisola Olusanya, the state's Commissioner for Agriculture and Food Systems, announced the initiative during a stakeholder dialogue in Lagos. She emphasized that the competition aims to develop future culinary professionals who will make meaningful contributions to the state's agriculture and food systems.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, the event, themed 'Flavours of the Future,' was organized by the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Systems in collaboration with the Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education, Culinara Group, and other partners. Olusanya stated that the competition targets children aged 10 to 13 years, with the goal of inspiring a new generation of young chefs while integrating agricultural education and food sustainability into their creative journey.
Olusanya highlighted that the competition is about more than just cooking; it aims to unveil the dreams and career paths of young minds while stimulating innovation in food preparation and presentation. The competition will commence with online registration from June 16 to June 30. Through this initiative, the government aims to create a space for children to showcase their culinary talents and inspire creativity in the food sector. Winners will receive cash prizes and other rewards, gaining exposure to opportunities in agriculture and food systems. The competition is designed to build a supportive ecosystem that fosters innovation in food and strengthens the agricultural value chain across the state.
Mr. Emmanuel Audu, the Permanent Secretary in the ministry, stated that the state government is deliberate about using platforms such as Eko Flavours Junior Edition to promote family bonding, job creation, and a sustainable future. The initiative aims to develop skills and create connections between generations while building a solid foundation for food security through knowledge transfer.
Mr. John Fadejola, the Project Lead for Eko Flavours Junior Edition, provided insights into the competition's structure, noting that the grand finale will take place on July 26. The goal is to spotlight talented junior chefs and demonstrate that agriculture is not just about farming; it is a space for creativity, technology, and innovation. The initiative aims to reshape perceptions and encourage youths to see food systems as vibrant career paths.
Fadejola added that the initiative reflects the state's commitment to long-term investment in youth development through dynamic and practical education platforms. With Eko Flavours Junior Edition, Lagos is reinforcing its position as a hub for food innovation while planting the seeds for a future where agriculture and gastronomy work hand-in-hand to empower the next generation.
Participation is open to children within the specified age bracket who possess a valid Lagos State Residents Registration Agency (LASRRA) identification number. The winner will receive three million Naira, while the first runner-up will get two million Naira, and the second runner-up will receive one million Naira.