200 Contestants, one champion: Shocking rise of 10-year-Old Chef

In a dazzling display of culinary talent, 10-year-old Boluwatife Jaiye-Gbenle emerged victorious in the Eko Flavours Junior competition, securing a N3 million cash prize and the prestigious title of Lagos Food System Ambassador.

Organized by the Lagos State Ministry of Agriculture and Food Systems in partnership with the Culinara Group, the event saw Jaiye-Gbenle outshine over 200 young chefs at the Fresh Food Hub in Idi Oro, Mushin.

Oluwaseyifunmi Quassi took the first runner-up spot with a N2 million prize, while James Okafor and Akinsola Oluwatobiloba shared the second runner-up position, each receiving N1 million.

The remaining finalists-Adelugba Semilore, Agugua Kamsi, Princess Tifeoluwani, Muhammadul Awwal Tijani, Oluwatara Semilore Marvellous, and Adewara Daystar, were awarded consolation prizes for their remarkable efforts.

The Eko Flavours Junior Project, designed for children aged 10 to 13, aims to nurture culinary creativity, promote healthy food culture, and celebrate Nigeria’s rich food heritage.

The grand finale, attended by government officials, private sector sponsors, and enthusiastic crowds, highlighted the potential of young talent in shaping the future of the food industry.

Lagos State Commissioner for Agriculture and Food Systems, Ms. Abisola Olusanya, praised the initiative, spearheaded by Dr. Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu, wife of the Lagos State Governor, for fostering creativity, teamwork, and pride in Nigeria’s culinary traditions.

“This competition is a stepping stone for these young chefs,” Olusanya said. “It opens doors to job opportunities, endorsement deals, and a sustainable future in the food sector. Our winners will serve as ambassadors, and we’ll engage them in catering for state events to further their growth.”

Mrs. Olufunke Adu and Jennifer Oduduwa, co-CEOs of Culinara Group, lauded the participants for their dedication. Adu emphasized the importance of teaching children vocational skills like cooking to prepare them for diverse career paths beyond traditional white-collar jobs.

“Cooking brings families together and empowers kids to take on leadership roles in the food ecosystem,” Oduduwa added, noting that the competition whittled down 200 entrants to 20 semi-finalists and 10 finalists.

Jaiye-Gbenle, the young champion, credited his mother for teaching him to cook since age nine. “I’m thrilled to win and grateful to my mother,” he said. “To my fellow contestants, don’t give up, try harder next time.”

Other participants expressed gratitude to the Lagos State Government for providing a platform to showcase their skills.

The Eko Flavours Junior competition not only celebrates young talent but also signals a promising future for Nigeria’s food industry, with opportunities for innovation, entrepreneurship, and cultural pride.