…as organisers unveil contestants ahead of food show
Some of Nigeria’s biggest brands, including Maggi from Nestlé Nigeria, Flour Mills of Nigeria (FMN), Nestlé PureLife, the Canadian Embassy, and the Lagos State Ministry of Youth and Social Development, have thrown their weight behind the sixth edition of Street Foodz Naija, Nigeria’s biggest food reality competition.
The commitment of these sponsors came to life recently at the Ikeja City Mall during the Streetz Foods Fest, a colourful pre-show festival that treated Lagos residents to a day of free food, live music, competitions, and the official unveiling of contestants for the forthcoming season.
The festival, organised by Maxima Media Group through its subsidiary Foodbay TV, attracted an impressive crowd of food enthusiasts and fun lovers who turned out to savour the experience. The atmosphere brimmed with excitement as attendees danced to live performances, participated in singing and dancing contests, and walked away with prizes from the sponsors.
The event marked the beginning of Street Foodz Naija Season Six, a platform dedicated to empowering street food entrepreneurs across the country, with this year’s edition offering a ₦25 million investment pool for contestants. The show, which has become a staple on Nigeria’s culinary entertainment calendar, continues to enjoy increasing corporate support as brands leverage it to connect with consumers and demonstrate commitment to community development.
Speaking at the event, Femi Ogundoro, Group Managing Director of Maxima Group and Executive Producer of Street Foodz Naija, described the new season as the most ambitious yet, promising audiences a richer experience both on-screen and off. “Street Foodz Naija Season Five was good, but Season Six is going to be a blast. In a few weeks, you’ll see these amazing contestants whip up creative meals on the show with our celebrity judges. Judges like Chef D and others will taste and evaluate their dishes,” he said.
“We are grateful to all our sponsors. This platform is in collaboration with the Ministry of Youth and Social Development. It’s sponsored by Golden Penny, creatively seasoned by Maggi, and given life by PureLife. Thanks also to the Hospitality Business School and Dr. Eric, who continue to provide training for contestants. This platform is not just about money; it’s about impact and growth.”
Ogundoro also revealed that the ₦25 million prize pool will be distributed as investment capital rather than grants, allowing participants to scale their food ventures. “This year, contestants can get ₦10 million, ₦5 million, ₦3 million, ₦2 million, or ₦1 million, depending on their performance. But it’s not a grant anymore. It’s an investment in their businesses. We are building sustainable food entrepreneurs who can contribute meaningfully to the economy,” he added.
One of the festival’s highlights was the unveiling of the Season Six contestants, a mix of young food entrepreneurs drawn from across Nigeria, each with unique stories and cooking styles. Their official presentation sets the tone for what promises to be an exciting season. The contestants will now proceed to compete in the televised stages of Street Foodz Naija, where their creativity, skill, and business acumen will be tested before a panel of expert judges.
Funmilayo Osineye, Category Manager, Culinary, Nestlé Nigeria, who represented Maggi at the event, expressed delight at the brand’s continued partnership with the platform. “I saw some banging jollof rice earlier on, and I hope you tasted it,” she said. “We are proud sponsors of this season and I’m really rooting for all of you. I wish everyone could win, but remember to season your food with Maggi to get the best taste and aroma. That’s what makes every meal stand out. We’re proud to be part of this journey because we believe in empowering the next generation of cooking talents.”
On her part, Oluwabukola Oyedokun, Category Development Manager, Nestlé Waters, underlined the importance of hydration and wellness in the competition while emphasizing Nestlé PureLife’s commitment to the cause. “Among many brands, there’s only one brand that refreshes, hydrates, and even supports your cooking if you really want to be a winner, and that’s Nestlé PureLife. I’m rooting for you all. Go, go, go cooks!” she addressed contestants.
Since its inception, Street Foodz Naija has evolved from a cooking competition into a developmental programme that identifies and nurtures local street food vendors, turning them into business owners and ambassadors. Past winners and participants have gone on to build successful ventures, benefiting from mentorship, media exposure, and business training. The show, which airs on major television networks and digital platforms, has become a touchpoint for millions of Nigerians who celebrate the creativity embodied in street food.
For the sponsors, the platform continues to offer more visibility and provide authentic consumer engagement, storytelling opportunities, and a chance to support a movement rooted in local culture and entrepreneurship.
