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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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FIFA Launches Disciplinary Probe Into Argentina Over Misconduct At The 2026 World Cup

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FIFA Launches Disciplinary Probe Into Argentina Over Misconduct At The 2026 World Cup—-World football’s governing body has launched multiple disciplinary cases against the Argentine Football Association and several players over incidents ranging from political displays and discriminatory behaviour to post-final altercations during the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

FIFA has opened formal disciplinary proceedings against the Argentine Football Association (AFA) and several members of the national team over a series of alleged breaches committed during the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

The governing body confirmed on Tuesday that it is investigating multiple incidents involving Argentina throughout the tournament, including the display of a politically charged banner following the team’s semi-final victory over England, allegations of discriminatory chants and gestures, team misconduct, security and protocol failures, as well as violent scenes that erupted after the World Cup final defeat to Spain.

Central to the investigation is the display of a banner reading “Las Malvinas Son Argentinas” (“The Falklands are Argentine”) after Argentina’s semi-final triumph. FIFA regulations prohibit political, ideological or religious messages during official competitions, and the governing body is assessing whether the display breached its disciplinary code. Argentina were previously fined over a similar incident during the 2014 World Cup.

FIFA is also examining reports of discriminatory chants, inappropriate gestures, late kick-offs and security shortcomings involving both supporters and team officials during the tournament. The disciplinary committee said all alleged breaches would be reviewed before any sanctions are imposed.

Separate disciplinary cases have also been opened over the chaotic scenes that followed Argentina’s 1-0 extra-time defeat to Spain in the World Cup final. Midfielder Leandro Paredes, defender Nahuel Molina and assistant coach Roberto Ayala are among those facing allegations of assault and unsporting conduct after confrontations involving Spanish players and officials at the final whistle. Other players from both teams are also being investigated for their involvement in the post-match altercations.

Under FIFA’s disciplinary process, the Argentine Football Association and the individuals involved will have the opportunity to submit their responses before any verdict is reached. Potential sanctions could range from financial penalties and suspensions to stadium restrictions or match bans, depending on the severity of the findings.

The proceedings mark one of the most significant disciplinary investigations of the 2026 World Cup and come after Argentina finished runners-up following their extra-time defeat to Spain. FIFA has stressed that no conclusions have yet been reached and that all parties are entitled to present their defence before the disciplinary committee delivers its final ruling.

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Bournemouth Foward Eli Junior Kroupi Set for 3–4 Months on Sidelines Amid Transfer Speculation

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Bournemouth Foward Eli Junior Kroupi Set for 3–4 Months on Sidelines Amid Transfer Speculation—-The Bournemouth striker has undergone surgery on a fractured metatarsal, dealing a major blow to clubs monitoring his situation and effectively ending speculation over a summer move.

Bournemouth have been dealt a significant setback after highly rated forward Eli Junior Kroupi was ruled out for between three and four months following a foot injury sustained during the club’s pre-season training camp in Austria.

The 20-year-old suffered a fractured fifth metatarsal during a training session and has since undergone successful surgery. Bournemouth confirmed the injury, with medical staff expecting the French youngster to return to action later this autumn, ruling him out for the opening months of the 2026–27 campaign.

Kroupi’s injury comes at a time when his future has been the subject of intense transfer speculation. Barcelona, Arsenal, Tottenham Hotspur and Manchester City have all been credited with interest in the striker following his impressive debut Premier League season, in which he established himself as one of Europe’s brightest young attacking talents.

Barcelona had identified Kroupi as one of several options to strengthen their attack after encountering difficulties in pursuing other targets. However, the injury is expected to end any realistic prospect of a move this summer, with Bournemouth remaining determined to keep hold of the French forward despite growing interest from across Europe.

The Cherries have consistently maintained that Kroupi is not for sale and were reportedly prepared to reject offers unless they received an extraordinary bid. The injury further strengthens Bournemouth’s stance, as the club now focuses on the player’s recovery and long-term development rather than entertaining transfer negotiations.

Kroupi enjoyed a breakthrough 2025–26 campaign, scoring 12 Premier League goals and emerging as one of the division’s standout young forwards. His performances earned widespread praise and attracted interest from several elite clubs looking to bolster their attacking options ahead of the new season.

While the injury represents a frustrating setback for both player and club, Bournemouth remain optimistic that Kroupi will make a full recovery and return before the end of the calendar year. For now, however, any transfer rumours are expected to cool as the Frenchman begins his rehabilitation and shifts his focus toward regaining full fitness.

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