Sanw-Olu urges Chefs, Caterers to take Lagos cuisine global at 2025 food festival

Adeola Ogunrinde

Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, on Sunday challenged caterers, chefs and other players in the culinary sector to harness creativity, artistry and innovation to project the Lagos food culture to the global stage.

Sanwo-Olu made the call at the 2025 edition of the Lagos Food Festival held on Victoria Island, where residents were entertained with music while enjoying a wide variety of local and international delicacies.

The governor, who personally prepared seafood rice and stir-fried spinach at the event, noted that the Lagos State Ministry of Agriculture and Food Systems has empowered many entrepreneurs in the food value chain. He added that the festival provides Lagosians with an opportunity to relax and celebrate the rich culinary heritage of the state.

According to him, food remains a powerful medium for storytelling, cultural expression and economic growth, stressing that Lagos cuisine reflects the state’s diversity, resilience and creativity.

Also speaking at the event, the Commissioner for Agriculture and Food Systems, Ms. Abisola Olusanya, said the state government is committed to celebrating everything that defines Lagos, including its vibrant food culture and the contributions of actors across the food value chain.

She noted that Lagos’ multicultural nature makes its cuisine unique and worthy of global recognition.

The festival featured several side attractions, including live cooking demonstrations by celebrity chefs and culinary displays by students from Yaba College of Technology, Lagos State University of Technology (LASUSTECH) and the University of Lagos, among others.

The event was attended by dignitaries, including members of the Lagos State Executive Council, traditional rulers and top government officials. The theme of this year’s festival is “Taste Beyond Borders.”