Nigerian Chef, Folashade Shoyonbo, has emerged winner of a Jolof Rice
Contest after beating chefs from two other West African countries.
Shoyonbo beat several others from Nigeria, Togo and Benin Republic during
the contest at the 15th AKWAABA African Travel and Tourism Market in Lagos.
The Jollof Rice Contest, which was organised to promote culinary tourism in
Africa, saw two other Nigerians, Deborah Esene
Fatima Lawal, clinching second and third positions, respectively.
Shoyonbo said she was surprised over
her victory and never envisaged winning the contest as she left immediately she
presented her cuisine to the judges only to be called back.
She advised other chefs to stay tenacious and dedicated to their work,
saying that success awaits those who persevered. She thanked the organisers for
encouraging African chefs and for giving her the platform to showcase her
cooking talent.
Shoyonbo, a graduate of Accounting, also had Diploma in Catering, is a chef
with Lagos Continental Hotel.
She won the trophy and a fridge while her first and second runners up went
home with generator and a set of dishes, respectively.
