A Young Chef's Triumph in the Eko Flavours Junior Competition
A 10-year-old chef, Boluwatife Jaiye-Gbenle, has captured the spotlight by winning a ₦3 million cash prize in the Lagos State Government Culinary Food Cooking Competition, known as Eko Flavours Junior. This event aimed to celebrate and nurture young culinary talents while promoting a healthy food culture among children.
The Competition Overview
The competition was organized by the Lagos State Ministry of Agriculture and Food Systems in collaboration with the Culinara Group. It took place at the Fresh Food Hub in Idi Oro, Mushin area of Lagos State. The Eko Flavours Junior Project is designed for children aged between 10 and 13 years old, offering them a platform to showcase their cooking skills and creativity.
Jaiye-Gbenle emerged victorious after defeating over 200 participants, becoming the Eko Flavours Junior Champion and Ambassador of the Lagos Food System. Oluwaseyifunmi Quassi secured the first runner-up position with a prize of ₦2 million, while James Okafor and Akinsola Oluwatobiloba took the second runner-up positions, each receiving ₦1 million.
Recognition of Talent
Several other participants were also acknowledged for their efforts. Adelugba Semilore, Agugua Kamsi, Princess Tifeoluwani, Muhammadul Awwal Tijani, Oluwatara Semilore Marvellous, and Adewara Daystar, who were part of the top 10 finalists, received consolation prizes for their participation.
During the final event, which attracted government officials, private sector sponsors, and a large audience, the State Commissioner for Agriculture and Food Systems, Ms Abisola Olusanya, highlighted the initiative's purpose. She noted that it was conceived by the wife of the Governor, Dr Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu, to encourage creativity, teamwork, and pride in the nation’s food heritage.
Future Opportunities and Vision
Olusanya expressed hope that the competition would open up job opportunities and create a sustainable future in the food sector. She encouraged participants to view the platform as a stepping stone towards greater achievements in the culinary industry.
“It is a big win for the winners. Everyone here won today. But I think more importantly, we have achieved our aim of showcasing the culinary skills of our kids and also exposing them to the fact that there is a lot of opportunity in the food system space,” she said.
She further mentioned that the winners might receive endorsement deals from sponsors and could work with the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Systems as ambassadors. The ministry also plans to involve them in catering services for various events.
Encouraging Vocational Skills
The co-CEOs of Culinara Group, Mrs Olufunke Adu and Jennifer Odufuwa, commended all the participants for their efforts, emphasizing that they were all winners. Adu explained that the event was created to shift the mindset away from traditional white-collar jobs and inspire young minds to embrace culinary and vocational skills.
She urged parents to train their children in cooking, washing, and other household chores to make them valuable members of society. Odufuwa added that the competition aimed to encourage children to take on leadership roles through cooking, which brings families together.
The Winner's Perspective
Jaiye-Gbenle shared his excitement about winning the competition and thanked his mother for teaching him how to cook since he was nine. He advised other contestants who did not win to keep trying and strive harder.
Many participants also expressed gratitude to the Lagos State Government for providing them with a platform to showcase their creative cooking skills.
This competition not only celebrated the talents of young chefs but also highlighted the importance of nurturing culinary skills from an early age. It serves as a reminder that the food industry offers numerous opportunities for those willing to explore and develop their passions.
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