Guaranty Trust Holding Company Unveils Inaugural Holiday Edition of Premier Food and Drink Festival
Guaranty Trust Holding Company Plc (GTCO Plc) is set to host the first-ever Holiday Edition of its highly anticipated GTCO Food and Drink Festival. This special event is scheduled to take place on December 20 and 21, 2025, at the GT Centre in Oniru, Lagos. This marks a significant moment for Africa’s largest food and beverage festival, as it will, for the first time, be celebrated during the festive holiday season. The move promises a novel fusion of culinary artistry, engaging family activities, and strengthened support for small and medium-sized enterprises operating within the food sector.
During a recent press conference held in Lagos, GTCO Plc officials articulated the vision behind this new edition. The primary aim is to further enhance the festival’s international standing while simultaneously celebrating the rich tapestry of African cuisine. Furthermore, the event is designed to create lasting and memorable holiday experiences for families. In a departure from previous iterations, the December festival will forgo its traditional chef masterclasses. Instead, the focus will shift towards immersive holiday-themed attractions, a significantly expanded marketplace, and an overall more festive ambiance, meticulously curated to appeal to visitors of all ages.
Mr. Segun Agbaje, the Group Chief Executive Officer of GTCO Plc, emphasized that this new edition underscores the group’s steadfast commitment to fostering enterprise and amplifying the creative spirit inherent in African culture. He lauded the festival as a potent platform that resonates deeply with GTCO’s core mission: to champion entrepreneurship, foster community connections, and curate enriching lifestyle experiences. Agbaje further highlighted that this upcoming event presents a dual opportunity – to celebrate the joyous holiday season and to provide vital support to the thousands of food entrepreneurs who constitute a crucial segment of the national economy.
Maintaining its established commitment to a free vendor participation model, GTCO Plc has witnessed an extraordinary surge in interest from small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). The company confirmed receiving an unprecedented number of applications, exceeding 4,000, for participation in the December event. From this vast pool of aspiring vendors, 213 Nigerian-owned food businesses have been meticulously selected. This number is nearly double that of the previous edition, a clear indicator of the festival’s escalating reputation as a significant driver for SME development and a proponent of inclusive economic growth across the continent.
The Holiday Edition is poised to introduce a compelling array of festive-themed attractions designed to captivate attendees. These include:
- A Christmas Village: This dedicated space will showcase a curated selection of handcrafted gifts, unique seasonal delicacies, and artisanal products, offering visitors a delightful shopping experience with a festive flair.
- Expanded Children’s Play Zone: Recognizing the importance of family-centric entertainment, this area has been significantly enhanced to provide a safe and engaging environment for young families, ensuring fun for the youngest festival-goers.
- Vibrant Street Food Hub: Celebrating the diverse and dynamic culinary landscape of Nigeria, this hub will feature an exciting array of authentic street food offerings, allowing visitors to explore and savor the nation’s rich street cuisine.
- Live Entertainment: To maintain a high-energy and celebratory atmosphere throughout the two-day event, the festival will feature live performances from two top-tier DJs, promising to keep spirits high and attendees entertained.
The GTCO Food and Drink Festival has consistently been a cornerstone event, celebrating culinary excellence and fostering economic opportunities. The introduction of the Holiday Edition signifies an evolution, aiming to integrate the joy of the festive season with the vibrant world of food and entrepreneurship. This strategic shift is expected to attract a broader audience, including families looking for unique holiday experiences, and further solidify GTCO Plc’s role as a catalyst for growth and a champion of African creativity. The festival continues to be a testament to the power of collaboration, community engagement, and the celebration of local talent.
