What's Happening?
Guaranty Trust Holding Company Plc (GTCO Plc) is set to host the first-ever Holiday Edition of its renowned GTCO Food & Drink Festival on December 20 and 21, 2025, at the GT Centre in Oniru, Lagos. This event marks a significant expansion of the festival, which is celebrated globally for its vibrant mix of culinary delights and family-friendly activities. The Holiday Edition will focus on African cuisine and provide significant income opportunities for food-focused Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs). Unlike previous editions, this one will not feature chef masterclasses but will instead offer immersive holiday attractions, an expanded marketplace, and entertainment for all ages. The festival aims to support local businesses by maintaining a free
vendor participation model, allowing entrepreneurs to maximize visibility and sales during the festive season. Over 4,000 applications were received, and 213 food SMEs were selected to participate, nearly doubling the number from the last edition.
Why It's Important?
The GTCO Food & Drink Festival's Holiday Edition is significant as it aligns with GTCO's mission to promote enterprise, African creativity, and community connection through lifestyle experiences. By supporting over 200 Nigerian-owned SMEs, the festival acts as a catalyst for economic growth and SME development. The event also highlights the richness of African cuisine and provides a platform for local businesses to thrive during a high-demand period. This initiative not only boosts the local economy but also enhances community engagement and cultural appreciation. The festival's free and open access underscores GTCO's commitment to making world-class experiences accessible to everyone, thereby fostering inclusivity and community spirit.
What's Next?
The Holiday Edition of the GTCO Food & Drink Festival is expected to deepen community impact by aligning with GTCO's broader corporate social responsibility objectives. The event will feature new attractions such as a Christmas Village, a large children's play zone, a street food hub, and live entertainment, all designed to enhance visitor experience and engagement. As the festival continues to grow, it is likely to further cement its reputation as a major platform for SME growth and cultural celebration. The success of this edition could lead to more frequent and diverse iterations of the festival, potentially expanding its reach and influence both locally and internationally.
