The organisers of Street Foodz Naija have taken to social media to address claims by Olufadeju Adeniyi David, popularly known as AkaraExpress, that he still hasn’t received his prize money eight months after winning the competition.
Recall that David had cried out over the cooking show’s failure to meet its end of the bargain after putting his blood, sweat, and tears into fulfilling the competition’s requirements and emerging as the winner.
Responding to the outcry, the organisers addressed posts, tags, and messages from members of the public calling for N10 million to be paid to the former contestant.
They explained that season six marked a shift in the show’s approach, moving away from outright cash grants to an investment-driven model designed to support business growth and long-term sustainability.
The show also said it communicated the new approach to all participants from the start, and contestants accepted it as part of their contractual agreement.
“For the avoidance of doubt, AKARAEXPRESS, like every other contestant, initially pitched for ₦5 million, which was later increased as an investment of ₦7.4 million, NOT ₦10 million at any point in time,” the statement reads.
“We understand the concerns being expressed and acknowledge the lessons this experience has presented.
“We remain hopeful that our ongoing engagements will yield a mutually acceptable resolution in the coming days.”
Street Foodz Naija also appealed to the public to stop tagging, harassing, or pressuring its sponsors, partners, and associates, saying the stakeholders had fulfilled their obligations under the season.
“In the meantime, we respectfully appeal to members of the public to refrain from tagging, harassing, or directing further pressure towards our sponsors, partners, and associates,” it wrote.
“They have fulfilled their respective obligations under the season, and we believe that the ongoing discussions should be allowed to proceed without subjecting these stakeholders to unnecessary pressure.”
The organisers further disclosed that they had fulfilled their commitment to one of the top five contestants, who had since accessed the N6 million investment promised to her.
“We wish to assure the public that we are actively engaging the concerned parties to reach a constructive resolution to the issues raised,” the statement added.
“We sincerely appreciate our sponsors, partners, associates, contestants, and supporters who continue to believe in this vision.
“We remain committed to constructive engagement, accountability, and finding a lasting resolution that allows all parties to move forward.”