By ADERONKE OJEDIRAN

Ten-year-old Boluwatife Jaiye-Gbenle has won the first edition of the Eko Flavour Junior Competition, a school-based culinary contest by the Lagos State Government.

The contest, aimed at boosting food creativity in children, started with over 350 entries. It featured pupils aged 10 to 13 years.

Twenty contestants advanced to the semi-finals, with the top three selected after a closely fought grand finale at the Lagos Food Hub, Idi-Oro, Mushin.

Jaiye-Gbenle clinched the title on Saturday with 261 points. Quassi Oluwaseyifunmi scored 254, while Akinsola Oluwatobiloba and James Okafor had 238 points each.

As part of her prize, Jaiye-Gbenle received ?3 million and was named Lagos Food System Ambassador to promote healthy eating and culinary pride.

“I’m happy I won. I began cooking at age nine. My mum taught me, and I’m thankful for her support and encouragement.

“Well done to my fellow contestants. I appreciate the Lagos State Government and the sponsors for this opportunity,” Jaiye-Gbenle said.

The first and second runners-up received ?2 million and ?1 million respectively. A tie meant two contestants also received ?1 million each.

Commissioner for Agriculture and Food Systems, Ms. Abisola Olusanya, said the initiative was inspired by the Governor’s wife, Dr. Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu.

She noted the programme fosters creativity, teamwork, and vocational pride in children, helping them value their culture and skills from an early age.

“We want children involved in the food chain. They should understand cooking and be encouraged to create and innovate,” Olusanya said.

She added that the contest was not just about food but also about building confidence and appreciation for Nigeria’s traditional dishes.

The initiative supports Lagos State’s food systems reform, targeting a resilient, youth-focused, and sustainable food sector.

“We want children to see beyond office jobs. The food industry holds many opportunities, and Lagos will keep nurturing them,” Olusanya stated.

Technical partner Mrs. Jenifer Odufuwa called the event a platform for nurturing responsible future leaders through essential life skills.

“This showed children they can achieve anything. I was emotional seeing their efforts—over 200 entries gave it their all.

“Cooking allows families to bond. I’m proud these children could express their talent and passion through this platform,” she said.

She urged that children be taught early to cook, clean, and contribute to their homes, describing these as vital life skills.

Some contestants described the experience as fun, inspiring, and deeply educational, saying it boosted their confidence and interest in food.

Eko Flavour Junior is part of the state’s strategy to transform food systems, promote local cuisine, and empower youth through culinary innovation. (NAN)

• 10 years old Boluwatife Jaiye-Gbenle after emerging winner at Eko Flavor Junior championships