GTCO Food and Drink Holiday Edition 2025: A Festive Culinary Showcase in Lagos

Guaranty Trust Holding Company Plc (GTCO) has successfully concluded the maiden Holiday Edition of its acclaimed Food and Drink Festival, held on December 20 and 21 at the GT Centre, Oniru, Lagos. The two-day celebration brought together thousands of food lovers, families, and entrepreneurs in what has been described as a landmark expansion of Africa’s largest culinary festival.

A New Chapter for Africa’s Culinary Culture

Building on the success of the annual GTCO Food and Drink Festival, which held its eighth edition earlier in April, the Holiday Edition marked the first time the event was staged during the festive season. According to GTCO’s Group Chief Executive Officer, Segun Agbaje, the December festival was designed to spotlight Africa’s vibrant culinary heritage while creating memorable holiday experiences. He emphasized that the initiative also reinforces GTCO’s commitment to supporting small and medium enterprises (SMEs) and deepening community engagement.

• Expanded Marketplace: Vendors showcased a wide variety of African and international cuisines, beverages, and artisanal products.

• Family-Centric Activities: The festival featured children’s zones, fashion showcases, and live entertainment, ensuring a wholesome holiday experience for all ages.

  

• Immersive Attractions: Unlike previous editions, the Holiday Edition did not include chef masterclasses. Instead, it focused on interactive holiday-themed experiences and festive attractions.

• SME Empowerment: The event provided a platform for food entrepreneurs to reach wider audiences, benefiting from increased holiday traffic and GTCO’s brand visibility.

The Holiday Edition was widely praised for its innovative approach to blending culinary excellence with festive cheer. Attendees described the atmosphere as vibrant and inclusive, with Lagos transformed into a hub of flavors and creativity. For many small businesses, the festival offered a rare opportunity to connect with new customers and showcase their products on a grand stage.

Industry observers noted that the Holiday Edition has further cemented GTCO’s reputation as a lifestyle brand beyond banking. By integrating food, culture, and enterprise, the company continues to position itself as a driver of creativity and community development across Africa.

With the success of this inaugural Holiday Edition, expectations are high that GTCO will make the December festival a permanent fixture on Lagos’s cultural calendar. As the city’s culinary scene grows in global recognition, the GTCO Food and Drink Festival remains a powerful platform for celebrating African gastronomy and empowering local businesses.

In summary: The GTCO Food and Drink Holiday Edition 2025 was more than a food festival—it was a festive celebration of culture, enterprise, and community, setting a new benchmark for holiday events in Nigeria.