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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: Arsenal Defeat Chelsea 2-1 at Emirates to Extend Unbeaten Run

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BREAKING: Arsenal Defeat Chelsea 2-1 at Emirates to Extend Unbeaten Run—-The Gunners came from behind after Morgan Rogers’ early opener, with Kai Havertz and Martin Ødegaard completing a comeback victory to maintain Arsenal’s perfect start to the Premier League season.

Arsenal produced another statement performance at the Emirates Stadium on Sunday, coming from behind to defeat Chelsea 2-1 and maintain their perfect start to the Premier League campaign.

Chelsea stunned the home crowd after just 77 seconds, when Morgan Rogers fired Xabi Alonso’s side into an early lead. Arsenal, however, responded strongly and gradually took control of the contest.

Kai Havertz restored parity in the 25th minute against his former club, finishing Arsenal’s sustained pressure to make it 1-1 before the break.

The Gunners continued to dominate after the restart and completed the comeback through captain Martin Ødegaard, who struck early in the second half after Havertz’s clever movement helped create the opening.

Chelsea pushed desperately for an equaliser late on, but Arsenal goalkeeper David Raya produced a crucial save to deny Estêvão and preserve all three points for the hosts.

The victory means Arsenal remain on nine points from three matches, level with Manchester City at the top of the Premier League. Chelsea, meanwhile, suffer their first league defeat of the season and remain on six points.

For Mikel Arteta, the comeback further underlined Arsenal’s championship credentials. The reigning champions showed composure after conceding their first goal of the campaign and once again demonstrated their ability to respond under pressure.

Chelsea’s defeat will be frustrating for Alonso, particularly after his side made such a fast start. Despite their attacking threat, Arsenal’s control and defensive resilience ultimately proved decisive.

The result also extends Arsenal’s remarkable unbeaten run against Chelsea to 12 matches across all competitions, further strengthening the Gunners’ recent dominance in the London derby.

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BREAKING: Manchester City Agree £125m Deal to Sign Enzo Fernández From Chelsea On Deadline Day

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BREAKING: Manchester City Agree £125m Deal to Sign Enzo Fernández From Chelsea On Deadline Day—-Cityzens have reached a British record-equalling agreement with Chelsea for the Argentina international on Deadline Day, with Fernández set to undergo his medical.

Manchester City have agreed a £125 million deal with Chelsea to sign Enzo Fernández in one of the biggest transfers of Deadline Day.

The agreement, reported by Sky Sports and other leading outlets, will see the Argentina international leave Stamford Bridge for the Etihad Stadium in a move that matches the British transfer record previously set by Liverpool’s £125m signing of Alexander Isak.

Fernández is expected to undergo his medical before completing the transfer, with City working against the clock to finalise the deal before the summer transfer window closes.

Maresca Reunites With Fernández

The move will see Fernández reunite with Enzo Maresca, who previously coached him at Chelsea and is now Manchester City’s manager.

Maresca is understood to have been a major driving force behind City’s pursuit of the midfielder as he looks to reshape his squad and strengthen the centre of midfield.

Fernández played an important role during Maresca’s time at Stamford Bridge, helping Chelsea win major silverware before the Italian manager’s move to Manchester.

Chelsea Accept Record Fee

Chelsea signed Fernández from Benfica in January 2023 for approximately £107 million, making him one of the most expensive players in Premier League history at the time.

Just over three years later, Chelsea have agreed to sell the 25-year-old for £125 million, representing a significant return on their original investment.

The Argentine had recently been left out of Chelsea’s squad for successive matches, increasing speculation that his Stamford Bridge future was coming to an end.

City Make Deadline-Day Statement

Manchester City had been pursuing Fernández for much of the summer, but negotiations intensified dramatically as the transfer deadline approached.

Chelsea had previously valued their midfielder at around £120 million and had initially expected him to remain at the club after an earlier deadline for bids passed without a formal offer. However, City’s interest never disappeared, and the two clubs eventually found an agreement on Deadline Day.

The final £125 million package now puts Fernández level with the British transfer record.

Fernández Begins New Chapter

For Fernández, the transfer brings an end to a turbulent period at Chelsea and opens a new chapter under a manager he already knows.

The World Cup-winning midfielder arrived in England with enormous expectations after starring for Argentina and Benfica.

At Manchester City, he will be expected to become a central figure in Maresca’s midfield and help the club compete on multiple fronts.

A Record-Breaking Transfer

The £125 million agreement places Fernández among the most expensive players in football history and makes the Deadline Day transfer one of the biggest stories of the summer window.

City are now racing to complete the remaining formalities, including the medical, before the deadline.

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