The Lagos State Government has introduced the junior edition of its well-known culinary competition, Eko Flavours.
This new initiative, named Eko Flavours Junior Edition, is designed to inspire and develop young chefs while promoting food education and innovation.
At the event held in Lagos on Friday, the Commissioner for Agriculture and Food Systems, Abisola Olusanya, described the competition as more than just a contest. She said it would play a role in grooming future culinary professionals who could contribute to the state’s agricultural and food systems.
“This platform is about much more than just cooking. It is about unveiling the dreams and career paths of young minds while stimulating innovation in food preparation and presentation,” she said.
Encouraging Creativity, Agriculture and Career Opportunities
The competition targets children aged 10 to 13. The goal is to help young participants see cooking as a skill linked to wider opportunities in agriculture, sustainability, and innovation.
Online registration for the contest will run from June 16 to June 30. Only children who have a valid Lagos State Residents Registration Agency (LASRRA) ID number are eligible to participate.
According to Olusanya, “Through this competition, we are creating a space for children to showcase their culinary talents and inspire creativity in the food sector.”
She explained that beyond cash prizes, the real value lies in the exposure and the experiences participants will gain. The initiative aims to guide young people into future roles within Lagos’ growing agricultural value chain.
Winners will receive substantial cash prizes. The overall winner will go home with ₦3 million, the first runner-up will receive ₦2 million, and the second runner-up will be awarded ₦1 million.
Strengthening Bonds and Building a Future in Food Innovation
The Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Systems, Emmanuel Audu, said the competition also aims to promote family bonding and job creation. He said it connects generations and lays a strong foundation for long-term food security through knowledge sharing.
“We are not only developing skills, we are also creating connections between generations and building a solid foundation for food security through knowledge transfer,” Audu said.
John Fadejola, the Project Lead for the competition, gave further details about the structure. He said the grand finale would take place on July 26 and would feature the best young chefs from across the state.
He added that the initiative shows how agriculture today goes beyond farming. “The goal is to spotlight talented junior chefs and show that agriculture is not just about farming; it is a space for creativity, technology, and innovation,” Fadejola said.
He explained that Eko Flavours Junior is part of the state’s broader plan to invest in young people through active, hands-on education.
“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,” he said.
The competition is being organised by the Lagos State Ministry of Agriculture and Food Systems in collaboration with the Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education, Culinara Group, and other private partners.
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