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jollof faceoff

Vbank Elevates Culinary Arts At Jollof Rice Faceoff 

Leading digital bank, Vbank, on Saturday 31 July 2021 in Lagos, Nigeria took its passion for entrepreneurial development and financial inclusion a step further by sponsoring the maiden edition of the ‘Jollof Faceoff’ competition. 

The Jollof Faceoff brought together distinguished chefs, food experts and business owners in the food industry and showcased the culture, uniqueness and culinary talents of Nigerians and Ghanaians. By supporting the event, Vbank reinforced its commitment to empowering Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) in Africa. 

L-R; The Jollof Faceoff Hosts; Chef Obubu and Mai Atafo at the event in Lagos, Nigeria recently. 

According to the digital bank, the Face-off was designed to further equip participating chefs and entrepreneurs to transform and expand their food businesses into ventures generating employment, economic benefits and social value.  

L-R: Former BBNaija housemates; Jeff Banks, Lucy Essien and Praise Nelson at the Jollof Faceoff in Lagos, Nigeria recently.

Speaking on the competition at a press parley, Senior Product Manager, Vbank, Ebere Ahaotu said, “This kind of competition would allow us to appreciate cooking as an art form and further appreciate different cultures. We see it more as a way of impacting SMEs in the food business in Nigeria which is a major part of social and economic development. 

He added that ‘’As an innovative brand, Vbank is keen on economic empowerment, and it is our desire to see businesses go beyond profit-making to embed societal and environmental interests which would deliver long term growth.” 

L-R: Jollof Faceoff Judges; Ghanian Media Practitioner; Abeiku Santana, Culinary Entrepreneur; Mukase Chic, Music producer and CEO Mavin Records; Don Jazzy and  Lifestyle Blogger and Vlogger; Sisi Yemmie at the event in Lagos, Nigeria recently.

At the ‘Jollof Faceoff’, organisers ensured that all judges representing both African countries; Music producer and CEO Mavin Records; Don Jazzy, Food, Lifestyle Blogger and Vlogger; Sisi Yemmie, Culinary Entrepreneur; Mukase Chic and Media Practitioner; Abeiku Santana went through a blind tasting session and awarded scores across several parameters.  Chef Hilda Effiong Bassey beat Chef Seyram Leslie Kumordzie to score the highest marks, winning the grand prize of $5,000. 

Winning Chef; Hilda Effiong Bassey receiving the grand prize of $5,000 from popular Chef; Nkesi Enyioha at the Jollof Faceoff in Lagos, Nigeria  recently.

‘Jollof Faceoff’ is just one of the many initiatives Vbank intends to support this year. The digital bank has led many innovations in the fintech industry through its customer-led and industry-driven initiatives like its Grow with V webinar series and the new V series for SMEs.  Vbank, a product of VFD Microfinance bank is available as V by VFD on the Play and iOS app stores. For more information, visit vbank.ng

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Nigerian Beats Ghanaian To Secure $5000 in VBank-sponsored Jollof Face-Off 

Nigerian Chef; Hilda Effiong Bassey emerged winner of the maiden edition of the Jollof Face-Off sponsored by VBank, Nigeria’s foremost digital bank. Chef Hilda beat Chef Seyram Leslie Kumordzie to score the highest marks after a judges’ blind tasting session, winning the grand prize of $5,000 while her Ghanaian opposing chef was consoled with N500,000.

Four Judges representing both West African countries; Music producer and CEO Mavin Records; Don Jazzy, Food, Lifestyle Blogger and Vlogger; Sisi Yemmie, Culinary Entrepreneur; Mukase Chic and Media Practitioner; Abeiku Santana awarded scores to the Chefs across several parameters. 

L-R: ‘Jollof Faceoff’ Judges; Ghanian Media Practitioner; Abeiku Santana, Culinary Entrepreneur; Mukase Chic, Music producer and CEO Mavin Records; Don Jazzy and  Lifestyle Blogger and Vlogger; Sisi Yemmie at the event in Lagos, Nigeria recently.

Reacting to her victory, Chef Hilda who started her culinary journey at the age of 17  said that, “’I am so excited, and the experience is awesome. I thank the organizers and VBank for this wonderful experience. Cooking is something I love to do, and I seize every opportunity to improve my skill and do great stuff.”

Winning Chef, Hilda Effiong Bassey cooking with her assistant at the ‘Jollof Faceoff’ in Lagos, Nigeria recently.

The competition brought together distinguished chefs, culinary experts and business owners in the food industry and showcased the culture, uniqueness and culinary talents of Nigerians and Ghanaians. 

The ‘Jollof Faceoff’ Hosts; Chef Obubu and Atafo at the event in Lagos, Nigeria recently. 

Also in attendance was seasoned Chef and Founder/CEO, Gourmet Cuisine, Chef Nkesi Enyioha who explained to members of the press on Saturday 31 July 2021 in Lagos that, “Every West African country has at least one variation of Jollof rice and it both divides and unites the region. With its seductive aroma, deep red colour and spicy flavour, Jollof rice is the undisputed queen of West African kitchens. It’s our beloved culinary treasure and a dish from our very heart and soul.”

The Jollof Face-off was also a part of VBank efforts to provide access to market and opportunities for entrepreneurs in Small and Medium Scale Enterprise (SMEs) in Nigeria, especially in culinary arts.

Ghanaian Chef; Seyram Leslie Kumordzie cooking with his assistant at ‘Jollof Faceoff’ in Lagos, Nigeria recently.

Speaking on the competition at a press parley, Senior Product Manager, VBank, Ebere Ahaotu stated that, “This kind of competition would allow us to appreciate cooking as an art form and further appreciate different cultures. We see it more as a way of impacting SMEs in the food business in Nigeria which is a major part of social and economic development. 

He added that ‘’As an innovative brand, VBank is keen on economic empowerment, and it is our desire to see businesses go beyond profit-making to embed societal and environmental interests which would deliver long term growth.” 

R-L: GMD/CEO of VFD Group Plc; Nonso Okpala, Founder and CEO, Cashpot Limited; Kelvin Orogun and wife; Diana Orogun at the Jollof Faceoff in Lagos, Nigeria recently.

Apart from providing access to finance, VBank managed by VFD Microfinance Bank has been supporting entrepreneurs in the Small-Medium Scale Enterprise (SMEs) with its Grow With V series, a monthly webinar session that brings subject experts in different knowledge areas into the same virtual room with young individuals, professionals, and SMEs.

In the past, Grow With V has featured Noble Igwe, Mai Atafo and popular Instagram store owner, Maureen Edwin. In the second half of the year, VBank is partnering with individuals and businesses to help grow their finances via a Personal Finance series which has kicked off with financial literacy expert, Tosin Olaseinde. 

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