GTCO Launches Maiden Holiday Edition of Food & Drink Festival, Set for December 20–21, 2025
Guaranty Trust Holding Company Plc (GTCO Plc) has revealed plans for the inaugural Holiday Edition of its renowned GTCO Food & Drink Festival, scheduled to take place on December 20 and 21, 2025, at the GT Centre in Oniru, Lagos. This historic event marks the festival’s first celebration during the festive season, promising a vibrant blend of culinary artistry, family-friendly attractions, and opportunities for enterprise development.
Expanding on its global reputation, the Holiday Edition aims to showcase the richness of African cuisine while creating memorable holiday moments for families and fostering growth among food-related Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs).
During a press conference in Lagos, GTCO Plc emphasised that this special edition is a deliberate shift towards a more festive, family-centred experience. Unlike previous editions, the December event will not include chef masterclasses; instead, it will feature immersive holiday attractions, an enlarged marketplace, and entertainment tailored for visitors of all ages.
Segun Agbaje, Group Chief Executive Officer of GTCO Plc, stated, “The GTCO Food & Drink Festival is a powerful platform that aligns with our mission to fuel enterprise, promote African creativity, and connect communities through meaningful lifestyle experiences. The Holiday Edition gives us an exciting opportunity to celebrate the festive season while supporting thousands of food entrepreneurs who form the backbone of our economy.”
Record SME Participation
True to its tradition of empowering local businesses, GTCO has maintained its free vendor participation model, enabling more entrepreneurs to gain visibility and boost sales during the festive period.
Key highlights include:
– Over 4,000 applications received
– 213 food SMEs selected, nearly double the number from the previous edition
– All vendors are Nigerian-owned, offering diverse and affordable culinary options
This surge in participation underscores the festival’s growing influence as a catalyst for SME growth and inclusive economic development.
New Holiday Features and Attractions
The 2025 Holiday Edition will introduce several new features designed specifically for the festive season:
– Christmas Village: A beautifully curated holiday marketplace featuring handcrafted gifts, seasonal delicacies, artisanal products, and holiday-themed entertainment.
– Children’s Play Zone: A fun-filled space with games and immersive activities tailored for young families.
– Street Food Hub: A vibrant showcase of signature Nigerian street foods, celebrating the country’s culinary diversity.
– Live Entertainment: High-energy DJ sets from two prominent Nigerian entertainers, creating an upbeat holiday atmosphere throughout the event.
Deepening Community Impact
GTCO highlighted that the Holiday Edition aligns with its broader corporate social responsibility objectives—particularly in supporting communities, increasing SME participation, and amplifying Nigeria’s creative and culinary economies. The Group aims to foster deeper family engagement, bolster local businesses, and reinforce its reputation for curating authentic African lifestyle experiences with global appeal.
The GTCO Food & Drink Festival – Holiday Edition is free and open to the public, reaffirming GTCO’s commitment that creativity, community, and world-class experiences should be accessible to all.