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.
