MasterChef Nigeria: Favy opens up on win, strength and future
Favour Epiphany Bessan aka Favy was just a 26-year-old Nigerian hoping the future will bring forth greatest tidings working as a creative – with a speciality and affinity for food – until she won N73...
Favour Epiphany Bessan aka Favy was just a 26-year-old Nigerian hoping the future will bring forth greatest tidings working as a creative – with a speciality and affinity for food – until she won N73 million grand prize after an intense 13-week competition on the reality cooking show, MasterChef Nigeria.
Reflecting on her journey, strength, challenges and legacy she intends to build in the future, Favy opens up about the emotional finale, the memories behind her winning menu, the life-changing N73 million prize, and why she believes every Nigerian dream is worth pursuing.
The young television producer, who was searching for direction as of June 2026, admitted that the reality of making history has finally sunk in.
“Yes, it finally has. For the longest time, it all felt like a dream as though I was living in someone else’s story. But now the reality is beginning to sink in, and I’m embracing what this moment truly means. It’s an incredible honour to be the very first MasterChef Nigeria champion,” she said.Continuing, she said, “ Favy: It was surreal. At first, I actually had a delayed reaction because I wasn’t sure I had heard my name correctly. Then it hit me all at once. I was overwhelmed with joy, gratitude, and disbelief. It was one of those life-changing moments you never forget.”
Inspiration behind cooking
Before MasterChef Nigeria, I was simply a young woman trying to find her path in life. I started working at just 17 years old in television and film production as a producer.
After university, I decided to take a gap year from production and transitioned into content strategy. Cooking, however, has always been deeply personal to me. It became my creative outlet, my comfort, and eventually my purpose. What started as passion gradually became something I knew I wanted to pursue wholeheartedly.
Without a doubt, it was the Immunity Pin Challenge. Winning that challenge completely shifted my mindset. Up until then, I still questioned whether I truly belonged in the competition. That victory reminded me that I had earned my place and deserved to be there. Winning the challenge gave me confidence, but more importantly, it challenged me to work even harder. I didn’t want people to think I was progressing simply because I had immunity. I wanted every dish afterwards to prove that I belonged in that kitchen because of my talent, my creativity, and my hard work.
Final and winning menu
My final menu was deeply personal—it was an ode to the different chapters of my life. The moi moi purée with plantain flatbread was inspired by childhood mornings filled with bread and moi moi. The pepper soup beurre blanc celebrated my heritage and the bold flavours I grew up with. Finally, my tapioca pudding was a tribute to my late mother. When Chef Stone said, Cook from your heart, that’s exactly what I did. I poured my memories, my grief, my joy, and my journey onto every plate. I truly left my whole heart in that kitchen.
Plans for N73 million
Winning N73 million is completely life-changing, especially considering where I’m coming from. I’m determined to be wise with it. I want to invest in myself, sharpen my craft, build meaningful opportunities, and create something that lasts. Beyond personal growth, I also want to give back. I want my success to become a blessing to others and use this platform to impact lives better.
This journey has transformed me in ways I never imagined. More than anything, it has taught me that life can change in a single day. Opportunities can come when you least expect them, and with God, absolutely nothing is impossible. I’ve become more confident, more resilient, and more willing to believe in myself.
Plans for Future
Your dreams are valid. Dream boldly. Desire what seems impossible. Have the courage to pursue your ambitions with everything you’ve got. Don’t allow fear, doubt, or your current circumstances to convince you that your dreams are too big. Believe so deeply in your future that you’re willing to work relentlessly for it. If my journey has taught me anything, it’s that one decision, one opportunity, and one day can change your entire life. With faith, hard work, and courage, nothing is beyond your reach. I hope people will remember me as someone who changed lives. I want my success to create opportunities for others—for young people who look like me, come from backgrounds like mine, and simply need someone to open the door. I want to inspire, mentor, and uplift as many people as possible through food, storytelling, and service. I truly believe God has placed me on this platform for a reason, and my goal is to use every gift He’s given me. I want to leave this world knowing I poured everything I had into making a difference.
