THE MAIDEN EDITION OF THE "JOLLOF FACEOFF" COMPETITION

The maiden edition of the "Jollof Faceoff" competition took place on Saturday, July 31, 2021, at The Rooftop by Ohuru HSE, Boardroom Apartments, Lekki, Lagos, and it was certainly one for the history books.

According to Noble Igwe, who coordinated the event on behalf of the conveners: Jollot Faceoff seeks to celebrate the love Nigeria and Ghana have for Jollof Rice. It is more than a competition. It is a showcase of our cultures, our uniqueness, and our unbridled passion.

Noble Igwe

Without a doubt, Jollof Rice has become one of the most popular dishes in West Africa.

This first of its kind competition was sponsored by VFD Microfinance Bank (VBank), Ohuru by HSE, Afripay, Maggi and Cellar Central and featured two phenomenal cooks, one representing each country, who battled it out to determine whose Jollof reigns supreme. There was a blind tasting of their Jollof dishes by a panel of judges, also representing both countries, and scores were awarded across several parameters like plating, taste and texture of the Jollof itself as well as taste of the accompanying protein and sides. After the judging was done and the scores collated, Hilda Effiong Bassey representing Nigeria emerged winner and walked away with a grand prize of $5,000 (Five Thousand Dollars)!

The event wasn't just about Jollof Rice though, it was loaded with other forms of "Jollofing" - Guests had fun with Karaoke, enjoyed jokes by MC Forever, watched a scintillating dance performance, and left with loaded goody bags from the organizers, Maggi and VBank. It was definitely a fun event filled with unending music, laughter, dancing, drinking and delicious food. Noble Igwe stated that the plan is to evolve, from not just the "Jollof Faceoff" competition, but into holding Food Festivals and having Jollof Cookouts as well as other amazing events that everyone can participate in and enjoy. There will also be a rematch of the Ghana/Nigeria Jollof Faceoff, this time in Ghana, and there are plans to include other countries such as Senegal and Sierra Leone in future competitions.