Chef Emeghebo Ifeoma EbeleChukwu has emerged winner of the ninth edition of the Jollof Rice Challenge at the 22nd Akwaaba African Travel Market in Lagos, defeating more than 10 other contestants in a keenly contested culinary competition.
The highly anticipated competition was one of the major attractions at the 22nd edition of Akwaaba, bringing together chefs, hospitality professionals, tourism stakeholders and food enthusiasts from Nigeria and other African countries.
Chef Emeghebo, who competed against chefs drawn from leading hotels and restaurants in Nigeria’s hospitality industry, impressed the judges to claim the top prize in the ninth edition of the competition.
Chef Emmanuel Ukachukwu Mathew finished in second place, while Osemeke Ikechukwu Gospel took third position.
Visibly emotional after her victory, Chef Emeghebo described the award as one of the major highlights of her professional career.
Lagos Boy Child Initiative chefs make debut
The 2026 edition also marked a new chapter in the competition as young chefs from the Lagos Boy Child Initiative (LBCI), a pet project of the First Lady of Lagos State, Dr Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu, were given an opportunity to showcase their culinary skills on the Akwaaba platform for the first time.
The initiative provided the young participants with practical exposure to a major tourism and hospitality event, alongside professional chefs and industry stakeholders.
The First Lady, who officially flagged off the Jollof Rice Challenge, encouraged the boys to remain resilient, develop their talents and continue to serve as worthy ambassadors of the LBCI.
Jollof Rice promotes African food tourism
The Jollof Rice Challenge has evolved into one of Akwaaba’s signature attractions, using competition and entertainment to celebrate Africa’s culinary heritage.
Beyond the cooking contest, the initiative highlights the role of food tourism in promoting destinations, cultures and local culinary traditions.
Jollof rice, widely associated with West African cuisine, provided a platform for participants and visitors to explore the continent’s culinary diversity while showcasing the creativity and skills of professional and emerging chefs.
The event also attracted participants and tourism professionals from various African countries, reinforcing Akwaaba’s role as a meeting point for the continent’s travel, tourism and hospitality industries.
The organisers said initiatives such as the Jollof Rice Challenge could contribute to strengthening cultural exchange and promoting Africa’s diverse food experiences as part of the continent’s tourism offering.
