LAGOS OPENS EKOFLAVOURS SEASON 3 TO NEW CULINARY TALENTS

The Lagos State Government, through the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Systems, has launched the third edition of the EkoFlavours culinary programme to identify and develop emerging talents in the food and hospitality industry. The initiative, organised in partnership with the Culinary Group, is designed to provide young and upcoming culinary professionals with opportunities to improve their skills, gain practical experience and showcase their abilities. The latest edition is part of the state’s broader efforts to promote the food sector and create opportunities for people interested in culinary careers.

The programme is expected to bring together aspiring chefs and other participants with an interest in food preparation, culinary creativity and hospitality. Through practical activities and professional guidance, participants will have the opportunity to learn from experienced practitioners while developing skills that can improve their prospects within the industry. The organisers said the initiative would also provide a platform for discovering talents capable of contributing to Lagos’ growing food and hospitality ecosystem.

The partnership between the Lagos State Ministry of Agriculture and Food Systems and the Culinary Group is aimed at connecting government support with private-sector expertise. The programme is expected to expose participants to modern culinary practices while encouraging them to explore local ingredients and Nigerian food culture. By focusing on emerging talents, EkoFlavours also seeks to support young people who may want to turn culinary skills into sustainable careers or businesses.

The third season builds on the previous editions of EkoFlavours, which were created to provide opportunities for people within the culinary space to learn, compete and gain visibility. The programme forms part of wider efforts to strengthen the agricultural and food value chain in Lagos by connecting food production with processing, preparation, hospitality and consumption. Organisers said developing skilled personnel in the sector could contribute to job creation and greater participation of young people in the food industry.

With Season 3 now underway, participants are expected to take advantage of the training, mentorship and exposure provided through the programme. The initiative also highlights the growing role of culinary entrepreneurship in Nigeria’s creative and hospitality sectors, where skilled chefs and food professionals are increasingly building businesses and personal brands around local cuisine. The Lagos State Government and its partners said the programme would continue to provide a platform for emerging culinary talents to develop their abilities and gain recognition.