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Eko Hotel’s Olayinka Ogunlana Crowned Winner of 2025 Jollof Rice Challenge at Akwaaba African Travel Market

The much-anticipated Jollof Rice Challenge once again lit up the 21st edition of the Akwaaba African Travel Market in Lagos, with Chef Olayinka Ogunlana of Eko Hotel and Suites emerging victorious.

The culinary contest, which has grown to become one of the signature highlights of Akwaaba, attracted tourism stakeholders, hospitality professionals, and food lovers from across the country and Africa.

Chef Ogunlana outshone over 12 other contestants drawn from top hotels and restaurants in Nigeria’s vibrant hospitality industry.

His winning recipe not only won the approval of the judges but also earned him a cash reward of ₦250,000, courtesy of the National Institute for Hospitality and Tourism (NIHOTOUR). Chef Emmanuel Mathew Ukachukwu of Mövenpick Hotel Ikoyi Lagos clinched the second spot, going home with ₦150,000, while the trio of Abioye Gbenga of Harmony Restaurant, Olumide Martins of Meeday Foode, and Mbah Blessing tied for third place, each receiving ₦100,000.
A visibly emotional Chef Ogunlana described the award as the highlight of his career. “In my over two decades in the hospitality sector, this is my first time being recognized with an award,” he said, dedicating his win to fellow contestants and the management of Eko Hotel for their support.

The Jollof Rice Challenge, which celebrates Africa’s culinary diversity and pays homage to the continent’s most iconic dish, has become a platform not just for competition but also for cultural diplomacy, drawing attention to food tourism as a growing niche in Africa’s travel industry.

This year’s Akwaaba African Travel Market, held at the prestigious Eko Hotel and Suites, Lagos, from September 14th to 16th, welcomed over 3,000 participants from across Africa and beyond.

The 21st edition featured an impressive lineup of events including the Top 100 Hotels Awards, the Women in Tourism Conference, the Africa Travel 100 Awards, and the Cargo & Export Conference, further cementing its place as Africa’s largest and most influential travel and tourism expo.

With headline partners such as Air Peace, Lagos State Government, Gambia Tourism Board, Wakanow, and Interswitch, the 2025 edition of Akwaaba also hosted the highest number of airlines ever assembled at a travel exhibition in Africa, creating opportunities for networking, business deals, and policy discussions.

The Jollof Rice Challenge, however, stood out as a unifying celebration of Africa’s shared culture, drawing cheers from the diverse audience and leaving guests with a taste of the continent’s spirit of innovation and creativity.