Chef Agabus Agboye has emerged winner of the Lagos State Government’s culinary competition, Eko Flavours Season 2, clinching the star prize of ₦5 million at the grand finale held over the weekend at the Fresh Food Hub, Idi-Oro, Mushin, Lagos.
Agboye triumphed over other contestants in the keenly contested event organized by the Lagos State Ministry of Agriculture and Food Systems in collaboration with the Culinara Group.
Martha Oluwadamilola Rotimi finished as the first runner-up, winning ₦3 million, while Peace Alexander came third and received ₦1 million. Other top-five finalists, including Enwere Glory and Daniel Akagha, also received consolation prizes for their efforts throughout the competition.
The event’s highlight was a friendly cooking duel between the Commissioner for Agriculture and Food Systems, Ms. Abisola Olusanya, and popular food critic, Opeyemi Famakinwa — a contest won by the Commissioner to the delight of spectators.
Speaking after his victory, an emotional Chef Agboye expressed gratitude to the Lagos State Government for the platform to showcase his talent, describing the win as “a dream come true.”
“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,” he said.
First runner-up, Oluwadamilola Rotimi, described the experience as a “journey of discovery and growth,” adding that the competition had opened her eyes to the opportunities within Lagos’ growing food industry.
Commissioner Olusanya commended all participants, saying the competition was designed to promote creativity, empower youth, and strengthen Lagos’ food ecosystem.
She said, “Every participant is a winner. Our goal is to create job opportunities and build a sustainable future in the food sector.”
Special Adviser to the Governor on Tourism, Arts and Culture, Mr. Idris Aregbe, noted that Eko Flavours had become a vital part of the state’s creative economy and youth empowerment strategy, adding that top contestants would be featured at the upcoming Greater Lagos Fiesta in December.
Also speaking, Special Adviser to the Governor on Agriculture and Food Systems, Dr. Olurotimi Fashola, highlighted the improved judging process and transparency of this year’s edition, saying it reflected Lagos’ commitment to global standards in culinary arts.
The co-CEOs of Culinara Group, Mrs. Olufunke Adu and Mrs. Jennifer Odufuwa, applauded the participants for their resilience and creativity, describing Eko Flavours Season 2 as “a platform that celebrates Lagos flavours and connects chefs to business opportunities.”
Themed “A Lagos Food Story,” the second edition of Eko Flavours celebrated local ingredients, culinary tourism, and youth empowerment in Lagos’ food value chain — reinforcing the state’s status as Nigeria’s emerging hub for creative food culture.