The vibrant city of Lagos is set to host the seventh edition of its celebrated Ofada Rice Day Festival, promising a spectacular blend of music, culture, and culinary innovation. The 2025 event, themed ‘Eko Dun Jor’, will be headlined by iconic Nigerian music stars Abass Akande Obesere (Omo Rapala) and Reminisce, alongside the vibrant sounds of the Vintage Band.
A Festival Rooted in Heritage and Innovation
More than just a food fair, the festival aims to spotlight groundbreaking advancements in the Ofada rice value chain. Organisers plan to showcase innovations in product development, culinary arts, sustainable farming methods, and entrepreneurial ventures that are reshaping Nigeria's food landscape. A key focus will be on technologies that improve processing, packaging, and distribution, with the ultimate goal of elevating this traditional staple to global prominence.
Tobi Fletcher, the Convener and Creative Director of OfadaBoy, revealed the deep personal connection behind the festival. Hailing from a family of first-generation Ofada rice farmers, Fletcher shared that his great-grandfather pioneered the cultivation of the crop. "It is a legacy built on sacrifice, innovation, and tradition," he stated. "This work today is a continuation of that story, a responsibility I carry with pride."
Celebrating a National Symbol
Fletcher emphasised the remarkable journey of Ofada rice from a local dish to a powerful national symbol and an emerging global identity. "When we celebrate Ofada, we celebrate our communities, our culture, ancestors, shared Nigerian story, and growing culinary pride," he explained. "This festival is not just about food, it is about who we are."
In his role as President of the Association of Professional Food Service Providers of Nigeria, Fletcher outlined the festival's broader mission. He stressed the critical need to:
- Support local farmers and processors.
- Build a robust framework for culinary tourism.
- Promote Nigerian cuisine on the international stage.
- Standardise food service practices across the country.
- Empower chefs and food entrepreneurs.
He credited his co-partner and Chief Operating Officer of OfadaBoy, Oyinda Fletcher, and their entire team for their role in "building something generational" to promote indigenous food and culture.
Government Backing and a Call to Participate
The Lagos State government has thrown its full weight behind the initiative. The State Commissioner for Agriculture and Food Systems, Abisola Olusanya, reiterated official support, describing the festival as "a clarion call to all to support hardworking and industrious Nigerians doing fantastic things in the food space." She added a personal invitation, saying, "I hope everyone will come and have fun that day."
Oyinda Fletcher joined in encouraging all Lagosians and visitors to actively participate in the day's events. The festival is positioned as a comprehensive experience that merges top-tier entertainment with deep culinary exploration and rich cultural celebration. It seeks to firmly establish Ofada rice not only as a cherished heritage product but also as a dynamic symbol of Nigeria's evolving culinary identity on the world map.
