Tosin Clegg
The annual Ofada Rice Day Festival, the biggest indigenous food festival in Nigeria that celebrates Nigerian heritage, particularly the nutritious home- grown food is set for its 5th edition. The event is billed to hold on Sunday, December 3, 2023, at the Muri Okunola Park, Victoria Island, Lagos.
With the 2023 edition tagged ‘Ofadabration’, the event aims at feeding Nigerians with local delicacies, promoting the consumption of locally grown, healthful meals.
Speaking about the forthcoming event, Oluwatobi Fletcher, disclosed during a press that being a Sunday event, it would be a family fun-fair that would be curated in a manner that allows attendees, with their families, including children, to buy food from various vendors, in addition to items given out by sponsors, while watching different entertaining performances by multiple artists.
He added that, “This year’s event will take another shape as guests will be treated to live performances by veteran juju maestro, Sir Shina Peters, Reminisce and a host of other talented artists that will be unveiled as the planning progresses.”
Lagos State Commissioner of Agriculture, Abisola Olusanya who was also present, stressed the importance of the event stating, “Celebrating the Ofada Rice itself as a food staple is the way to go and I think it’s one of the best ways we can grow our economy locally and internationally. I’m an Ofada lover and eat it in my house almost every day.
“I know the benefits are there health wise and I don’t see it as a challenge.”
The festival is equally an event that helps provide vital information to support local farmers to increase cultivation, enhancing Nigeria’s agricultural sector. The festival would also impact agro tourism by attracting tourists and visitors interested in experiencing Nigeria’s unique culinary traditions. The Festival is not just a cultural experience but a strategic initiative to promote food security, good health, and agricultural prosperity, ensuring a healthier, more prosperous Nigeria for future generations.
