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OfadaBoy, PocketMoni, LASG, Others to Power 7th Edition of Ofada Rice Day Festival

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OfadaBoy, PocketMoni, LASG, Others to Power 7th Edition of Ofada Rice Day Festival—-OfadaBoy, PocketMoni, LASG is set to power the 7th edition of Nigeria’s largest indigenous food festival dedicated to celebrating Nigerian heritage and promoting nutritious, locally grown cuisine. The event themed Eko Dun Joor is scheduled to be held on Sunday, December 7, 2025, at Muri Okunola Park, Victoria Island, Lagos.

This year’s theme is to Celebrate Innovation, Identity and Nigeria’s Culinary Future,” reflects the festival’s mission to champion homegrown foods, deepen cultural pride, and reinforce the importance of healthy, locally sourced meals.

Eko Dun Joor is swiped around Lagos’ essence and rich culture, which is in alignment with the core focus of Ofada Rice Day Festival.

The festival, sponsored by PocketMoni, Goldberg, Maltina, Fatgbems Group, Action Bitters is convened by Tobi Fletcher, Creative Director of OfadaBoy and President of the Association of Professional Food Service Providers of Nigeria (APFSPN), in partnership with his wife and co-partner, Oyinda Fletcher.

Speaking during a press briefing, Fletcher assured that the 2025 edition would be an unforgettable celebration of food, culture, and innovation.

“I speak today as the Convener of the Ofada Rice Day Festival, Creative Director of OfadaBoy, and President of APFSPN; standing proudly with my wife and Co-Partner, Oyinda, and our dedicated team who have worked tirelessly to make this year’s festival possible.

“Our theme is not just a concept; it is a reflection of my personal journey, my heritage, and our collective mission,” he said.

He revealed that the festival will feature performances by iconic Fuji star, Obesere, rap sensation, Reminisce, and high-energy bandleader Segun Johnson.

Fletcher stated that his connection to Ofada rice goes beyond business, tracing his roots to a line of first-generation rice farmers.

“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 said.

With nearly two decades of experience in the hospitality and food service space, Fletcher said he has witnessed the evolution of Nigerian cuisine; from challenges to breakthroughs; and believes strongly in the future of local foods.

“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,” he said.

Fletcher emphasised that Ofada rice is now more than just a meal; it is a cultural and economic movement entering a new era of modernization and global relevance.

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

At its heart, he said, the Ofada Rice Day Festival remains committed to 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.

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 prioritise 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.

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BREAKING: Declan Rice Fires Late Equaliser as Arsenal Hold Bayern Munich at Allianz Arena

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BREAKING: Declan Rice Fires Late Equaliser as Arsenal Hold Bayern Munich at Allianz Arena—-The England midfielder struck in the 82nd minute to earn Arsenal a dramatic 2-2 draw against Bayern Munich after Harry Kane had put the German champions ahead from the penalty spot.

Arsenal produced a spirited late comeback to secure a 2-2 draw against Bayern Munich at the Allianz Arena on Wednesday night, with Declan Rice scoring a crucial equaliser in the 82nd minute of their UEFA Champions League encounter.

The Gunners looked set to suffer their first defeat of the league phase after Harry Kane converted a second-half penalty to give Bayern the lead. However, Rice delivered a timely response to ensure Mikel Arteta’s side left Germany with a valuable point.

Eze Gives Arsenal the Lead

Arsenal suffered an early setback when Bukayo Saka was forced off with an injury after approximately 10 minutes.

Eberechi Eze replaced the England winger and made an immediate impact, opening the scoring in the 25th minute after receiving a superb pass from Martin Ødegaard.

Eze drove forward before firing into the bottom corner. The goal was initially ruled out for offside, but a VAR review confirmed the effort, giving Arsenal a 1-0 advantage.

Bayern responded through Alphonso Davies, who levelled the contest in the 35th minute after a brilliant through ball from Kane.

Kane Puts Bayern Ahead

The contest remained finely balanced after the interval, with both goalkeepers making important saves to keep their teams in the game.

Bayern eventually took the lead in the 61st minute when Kane converted a penalty after Jurriën Timber handled the ball inside the area.

The former Tottenham striker calmly dispatched the spot kick, putting the hosts 2-1 ahead and leaving Arsenal facing the prospect of defeat.

Kane’s goal also extended his remarkable scoring run in the Champions League to 10 consecutive matches.

Rice Rescues a Point for Arsenal

With time running out, Arsenal found their breakthrough through a well-worked attacking move.

Noni Madueke and Viktor Gyökeres combined in the build-up before Rice surged into the penalty area and fired a low finish beyond Manuel Neuer from an acute angle.

The 82nd-minute strike restored parity at 2-2 and silenced the home crowd, giving Arsenal renewed belief as they pushed for a late winner.

Despite further pressure from the visitors, neither side managed to find another goal, and the points were shared.

Arsenal Maintain Unbeaten Champions League Run

The draw extended Arsenal’s unbeaten run in the Champions League league phase and took their tally to seven points from three matches, following victories over Napoli and Lille.

Bayern, meanwhile, were left frustrated after surrendering their lead late in the contest.

For Arsenal, Rice’s equaliser represented a significant moment in a demanding away fixture, while Eze’s contribution after replacing the injured Saka provided another positive from the encounter.

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BREAKING: Como Humble Manchester United 4-1 At Stadio Giuseppe Sinigaglia, as Nico Paz Hits Brace in Champions League Rout

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BREAKING: Como Humble Manchester United 4-1 At Stadio Giuseppe Sinigaglia, as Nico Paz Hits Brace in Champions League Rout—–Nico Paz scored twice and provided an assist as Champions League newcomers Como produced a stunning performance to dismantle Manchester United in Italy.

Como delivered a memorable European night on Wednesday, October 21, 2026, thrashing Manchester United 4–1 in the UEFA Champions League as Nico Paz inspired the Italian side to a commanding victory.

The Argentine midfielder scored twice and assisted another goal, helping Cesc Fàbregas’ team overwhelm Michael Carrick’s visitors at the Stadio Giuseppe Sinigaglia.

Manchester United struggled to contain Como’s attacking movement throughout the encounter, with the hosts establishing control early and extending their advantage after the break.

Nico Paz Strikes Early

Como needed just two minutes to take the lead through Paz, who collected a pass from Lucas da Cunha before curling a left-footed effort into the far corner.

The early goal gave the hosts momentum, while United struggled to establish a foothold in the contest.

Despite having opportunities to respond, the visitors failed to find an equaliser before halftime, allowing Como to carry their advantage into the break.

Paz Turns Provider as Como Extend Their Lead

Como doubled their advantage four minutes into the second half when Paz delivered a perfectly weighted through ball for Anastasios Douvikas.

The Greek forward broke through the United defence and finished past the advancing goalkeeper to make it 2–0 in the 49th minute.

Paz then produced another decisive moment eight minutes later. After capitalising on a misplaced pass from Carlos Baleba, the Argentine surged forward and finished confidently to complete his brace and put Como 3–0 ahead.

His performance left United facing an increasingly difficult task as the hosts continued to threaten.

Jacobo Ramón Adds the Fourth

Como added a fourth goal in the 76th minute through defender Jacobo Ramón.

Substitute Kaiki Bruno drove forward down the left before delivering a cross that Ramón headed beyond United goalkeeper Senne Lammens.

The goal capped an impressive attacking display from the home side and underlined the visitors’ defensive struggles.

Zirkzee Scores Late Consolation

Manchester United eventually found the net in stoppage time when Joshua Zirkzee converted a cross from Amad Diallo in the 90th minute, reducing the deficit to 4–1.

However, the late goal did little to change the outcome, as Como comfortably saw out the remaining minutes to secure an emphatic victory.

A Night to Remember for Como

The result marked a major European achievement for Como, whose Champions League campaign has brought the club onto one of football’s biggest stages.

For Paz, the performance was particularly memorable, with his two goals and assist making him the central figure in the victory.

Manchester United, meanwhile, were left to reflect on a difficult night in Italy after being outplayed by a Como side that combined clinical finishing with effective attacking football.

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