The maiden edition of the ‘Jollof Faceoff’ competition was held over the weekend at The Rooftop by Ohuru HSE, Boardroom Apartments, Lekki, Lagos.

The fierce rivalry between Ghana and Nigeria on who makes the better Jollof Rice has gone on for so long and has been so intense, that it has garnered international recognition.

Some say neither country should even lay claim to being the Jollof superstars because the dish originated from Senegal.

The sister countries of Ghana and Nigeria, however, seem unfazed about the true origins of the dish, as they have owned it and given it the now ‘‘iconic status.”

Noble Igwe, who coordinated the event on behalf of the conveners, said the competition was aimed at celebrating the love Nigeria and Ghana have for Jollof Rice.

He said, without a doubt, Jollof Rice has become one of the most popular dishes in West Africa while the competition is a showcase of the Nigerian culture, uniqueness, and unbridled passion.

The competition, which was sponsored by VFD Microfinance Bank (VBank), Ohuru by HSE, AfriPay, Maggi and Cellar Central, featured two cooks representing Nigeria and Ghana respectively.

Highlights

Both chefs battled it out to determine whose Jollof reigns supreme. There was a blind tasting of their Jollof dishes by a panel of judges that included Don Jazzy and Sisiyemmie.

They were also representing both countries, and scores were awarded using several parameters like plating, taste & texture of the Jollof itself as well as a taste of the accompanying protein and side dishes.

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, there were several side attractions ‘Jollofing’ – Guests had fun with Karaoke, enjoyed jokes by MC Forever, watched a scintillating dance performance, and left with loaded goody bags from the organisers.

It was definitely a fun event filled with unending music, laughter, dancing, drinking, and delicious food.

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.

He also said there would 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.

PT