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By Damilola Fatunmise
Top Nigerian musicians including Obesere, Reminisce, Segun Johnson will thrill at this year’s Ofada Rice Day Festival, the largest indigenous food festival dedicated to celebrating the nation’s heritage and promoting locally grown cuisines.
With the theme: ‘Ofada Rising: Celebrating Innovation, Identity and Nigeria’s Culinary Future’, the 7th edition of the festival, which holds at Muri Okunola Park, Victoria Island, Lagos, aims to champion homegrown foods, deepen cultural pride, and reinforce the importance of healthy, locally sourced meals.
According to Tobi Fletcher, Creative Director of OfadaBoy and President of Association of Professional Food Service Providers of Nigeria (APFSPN), the festival, which is being co-organised with his wife, Oyinda Fletcher will be an unforgettable celebration of food, culture and innovation.
“Our theme is not just a concept; it is a reflection of my personal journey, my heritage, and our collective mission,” he said.
Fletcher revealed further that the festival would feature performances by fuji star, Obesere, rapper Reminisce, and high-energy bandleader, Segun Johnson.
Tracing his roots to a line of first-generation rice farmers, Fletcher said that his connection to Ofada rice goes beyond business. “My great-grandfather was the first Ofada rice farmer. It is a legacy built on sacrifice, innovation and tradition. This work is a continuation of that story; a responsibility I carry with pride,” he declared.
With nearly two decades of experience in the hospitality and food service space, Fletcher said he has witnessed the evolution of Nigerian cuisines; from challenges to breakthroughs; and believes strongly in the future of local foods.
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“Ofada has risen from a small village staple to a national treasure and an emerging global culinary identity,” he noted. “Its rise represents the rise of Nigerian farmers, homegrown food businesses, cultural pride, and innovation in our food system.”
This year’s festival will spotlight innovation through new Ofada-based products, creative culinary presentations, sustainable farming solutions, young entrepreneurs redefining food culture and technologies enhancing processing, packaging and distribution.
Aside from empowering local food sellers, market women, small-scale vendors, cooks, and emerging food entrepreneurs, the 2025 edition will also feature: cultural and artistic showcases, innovation hubs, farmer and producer conversations, food exhibitions and tastings, culinary competitions and panel discussions with industry experts.
In her remarks, Lagos State Commissioner for Agriculture and Food System, Mrs. Abisola Olusanya, lauded the organisers and reaffirmed the state government’s support.
She reiterated that Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s administration will continue to prioritize increased food production and improved food systems across the state.
Also speaking, Ifeanyi Chukwuekem, Head of Corporate Strategy for PocketMoni; the festival’s headline sponsor; expressed pride in partnering with OfadaBoy.
“It is important to align with a strong indigenous brand like OfadaBoy. We also want Nigerians to better understand what PocketMoni represents. We are the only fintech listed on the Nigerian Stock Exchange, which speaks to our roots. At the festival, we will host an experience centre to further engage guests,” he said.
