Iyke Bede
After six outings, Nigeria’s food festival dedicated to the bold flavour of Ofada rice returns to Muri Okunola Park on Sunday, December 7, 2025, for its seventh serving.
Themed ‘Ofada Rising: Celebrating Innovation, Identity and Nigeria’s Culinary Future,’ the convener, Tobi Fletcher, noted that it is a reflection of his personal journey, showcasing his heritage, and a collective mission of preserving and continuing the Nigerian culture through food.
“My connection to Ofada rice runs deeper than business,” said Fletcher. “I come from a lineage of first-generation rice farmers, and my great-grandfather was the first Ofada rice farmer. It is a legacy built on sacrifice, innovation, and tradition. This work today is a continuation of that story.”
With PocketMoni boosting the platform that embraces vendors showcasing their unique take on Ofada rice, their Head of Corporate Strategy, Ifeanyi Chukwuekem, expressed their excitement about the festival and its role in celebrating homegrown culinary talent.
“We design for Nigerians to succeed, so we are so proud to be part of this and any other one in the future as long as it meets the criteria of being indigenous and advancing Nigerian culture and identity. That’s what Ofada has been doing for seven years, and we’re proud to support it this year.”
This year’s edition is expected to show how Ofada is changing with the times. Organisers point to new Ofada-based products, different ways of cooking and serving the dish, and ongoing talks about farming and sustainability. There will also be young food entrepreneurs on display, along with newer tools used for processing, packaging, and distribution.
Alongside these highlights, the festival will feature cultural performances, food exhibitions and tastings, culinary competitions, and panels with industry experts. It will also host the global unveiling of Ofadabration Canada, pointing to the festival’s growing reach on the world stage.
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