Chef Agabus Agboye has emerged winner of the Eko Flavours Season 2 cooking competition, taking home the grand prize of N5 million at the grand finale held over the weekend at the Fresh Food Hub, Idi-Oro, Mushin, Lagos.
EpeInsights learnt that the competition, organised by the Lagos State Ministry of Agriculture and Food Systems in collaboration with the Culinara Group, showcased some of the state’s finest emerging culinary talents.
Agboye outcooked several contestants to clinch the top spot, while Martha Oluwadamilola Rotimi came second, earning N3 million, and Peace Alexander placed third with N1 million. Other finalists, including Enwere Glory and Daniel Akagha, also received consolation prizes for their outstanding performances.
One of the event’s highpoints was a friendly cook-off between the Commissioner for Agriculture and Food Systems, Ms. Abisola Olusanya, and popular food critic Opeyemi Famakinwa, which the Commissioner won to the delight of the audience.
Expressing his excitement after his victory, Chef Agboye said:
“I am overwhelmed with joy. This is a dream come true after years of hard work and dedication. I want to thank the Lagos State Government and the organisers of Eko Flavours for believing in young chefs like me. This win means I must keep improving and give my best to represent Lagos proudly.”
First runner-up, Oluwadamilola Rotimi, also shared her delight:
“This competition has opened my eyes to what is possible in Lagos’ food industry. We have incredible talent here, and I am proud to be part of this culinary evolution.”
Speaking at the event, which attracted government officials, private sponsors and a large crowd of food enthusiasts, Olusanya commended all participants for their dedication and creativity, describing every contestant as a winner.
She noted that the competition was designed to inspire job creation and strengthen the state’s food ecosystem, urging participants to view the platform as a springboard to greater opportunities.
In his remarks, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Tourism, Arts and Culture, Mr. Idris Aregbe, said Eko Flavours aims to identify and promote culinary talents who can express Lagos’ diversity through food while encouraging self-employment and innovation.
“Beyond the competition, our goal is to empower more people, build capacity and ensure synergy among these young chefs. We are already planning to feature not only the top five but also other outstanding contestants at the upcoming Greater Lagos Fiesta in December,” he said.
Also speaking, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Agriculture and Food Systems, Dr. Olurotimi Fashola, highlighted the digitalised and transparent judging process adopted in this year’s edition.
“What we are witnessing is the birth of a generation of chefs who can redefine Nigerian cuisine. Our dream is to create unique recipes and dishes that originate from Lagos – something we can patent and proudly call our own,” he said.
The co-CEOs of Culinara Group, Mrs. Olufunke Adu and Mrs. Jennifer Odufuwa, praised the contestants for their resilience and creativity, emphasising that everyone who participated was a winner.
Adu stated:
“Every contestant today represents a story of resilience, creativity and hope. Beyond the trophies, everyone who stood in that kitchen today has gained something valuable: confidence, exposure, and belief in their own abilities.
“Lagos is proud of all the participants. We at Culinara are committed to nurturing these emerging chefs so they can tell more ‘Lagos stories’ through their food.”
Odufuwa added that the second edition was “bigger, better and more exciting,” serving as a springboard for culinary visibility and business growth.
“We are thrilled to see how Eko Flavours has evolved from an idea into a vibrant culinary movement. This second edition is not just about competition; it is about collaboration, visibility and giving Lagos chefs a stage to shine locally and internationally,” she said.
With the theme “A Lagos Food Story,” Eko Flavours Season 2 is part of the Lagos State Government’s broader initiative to promote culinary tourism, empower young chefs, and celebrate local ingredients.
The event featured live tastings, digital scoring, and mentorship sessions further cementing Lagos’ place as Nigeria’s rising hub for creative food culture.
