By Ayomide Otitoju
Guaranty Trust Holding Company Plc (GTCO Plc) has announced the inaugural Holiday Edition of its acclaimed GTCO Food & Drink Festival, set to take place on December 20 and 21, 2025, at the GT Centre in Oniru, Lagos. The festive edition marks the first time Africa’s largest food and beverage festival extends into the holiday season.
The Holiday Edition aims to combine culinary innovation with family-friendly holiday experiences, while continuing GTCO’s commitment to enterprise development and the empowerment of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).
At a press briefing, GTCO Group Chief Executive Officer Segun Agbaje emphasized the festival’s role in supporting creativity and small businesses. “The GTCO Food & Drink Festival is a powerful platform that fuels enterprise, promotes African creativity, and connects communities through meaningful lifestyle experiences. The Holiday Edition allows us to celebrate the festive season while supporting thousands of food entrepreneurs,” he said.
In line with GTCO’s tradition of fostering SME growth, vendor participation remains free. For 2025, the festival received a record 4,000 applications, selecting 213 Nigerian-owned food-based SMEs—nearly double the number from the previous edition—offering visitors a wide array of affordable culinary options.
The Holiday Edition introduces several Christmas-themed attractions designed for families:
Christmas Village: A curated marketplace featuring holiday gifts, artisanal products, and festive treats.
Large Children’s Play Zone: Games and interactive activities for young families.
Street Food Hub: Showcasing signature Nigerian street foods celebrating the country’s culinary diversity.
Live Entertainment: DJ performances from top Nigerian entertainers to enhance the festive atmosphere.
GTCO stated that the Holiday Edition aligns with its broader corporate social responsibility goals, including community development, SME growth, and cultural promotion. By leveraging the festive period, the bank aims to boost family engagement, increase visibility for local enterprises, and reinforce its commitment to authentic African lifestyle experiences.
