Lagos Celebrates Culinary Creativity as Chef Agboye Emerges Eko Flavours Champion

Chef Agabus Agboye has emerged winner of the Eko Flavours Season 2 Cooking Championship, clinching the ₦5 million grand prize in a keenly contested culinary competition organised by the Lagos State Ministry of Agriculture and Food Systems in partnership with the Culinara Group.

Agboye triumphed over other participants to become the 2025 Eko Flavours Champion during the grand finale held at the Fresh Food Hub, Idi-Oro, Mushin. Martha Oluwadamilola Rotimi finished as the first runner-up, receiving ₦3 million, while Peace Alexander secured third place with ₦1 million.

Enwere Glory and Daniel Akagha also made the top five and, along with other finalists, received consolation prizes for their performances throughout the contest’s stages.

The highlight of the event was a friendly cooking duel between the Commissioner for Agriculture and Food Systems, Ms. Abisola Olusanya, and popular food critic Opeyemi Famakinwa,a contest Olusanya won to the delight of the audience.

An emotional Agboye expressed gratitude to the Lagos State Government for the opportunity to showcase his culinary talent.

“This is a dream come true after years of hard work. I’m grateful for this platform and determined to keep improving to make Lagos proud,” he said.

First runner-up, Oluwadamilola Rotimi, described her experience as transformative, calling it “a journey of discovery and growth” that opened her eyes to Lagos’ fast-growing food industry.

Addressing participants, Commissioner Olusanya commended all contestants for their creativity and commitment, noting that the initiative was designed to create opportunities in the state’s expanding food and hospitality sector.

“Every participant here is a winner. This competition is a platform for skill development, job creation, and a sustainable future in the culinary industry,” she said.

Special Adviser to the Governor on Tourism, Arts and Culture, Mr. Idris Aregbe, explained that Eko Flavours is part of the government’s broader strategy to promote culinary talent and empower young people through creative enterprise.

“Beyond the competition, we aim to build capacity and create visibility for emerging chefs. The top contestants will also feature at the Greater Lagos Fiesta in December,” he revealed.

Dr. Olurotimi Fashola, Special Adviser to the Governor on Agriculture and Food Systems, highlighted the digital judging process and transparency of the event, describing it as a reflection of Lagos’ innovation-driven approach to talent development.

Co-CEOs of Culinara Group, Mrs. Olufunke Adu and Mrs. Jennifer Odufuwa, praised participants for their creativity and resilience, describing Eko Flavours as a movement celebrating Lagos’ rich culinary identity.

“Every chef here has gained confidence, exposure, and the belief that Lagos food culture can compete globally,” Adu said.

“This second edition was bigger, better, and more inspiring connecting chefs to new business opportunities,” Odufuwa added.

Themed “A Lagos Food Story,” Eko Flavours Season 2 forms part of the Lagos State Government’s efforts to promote culinary tourism, celebrate local ingredients, and empower youth within the food value chain.

The event featured live tastings, mentorship sessions, and digital scoring, reaffirming Lagos’ position as a rising hub of Nigeria’s creative food culture.