Guaranty Trust Holding Company Plc (GTCO Plc) has announced the launch of the first-ever Holiday Edition of its renowned GTCO Food & Drink Festival, scheduled to hold on December 20 and 21, 2025, at the GT Centre in Oniru, Lagos. The special edition marks a significant expansion of what is widely regarded as Africa’s largest food and beverage festival, bringing its vibrant showcase into the festive season for the first time.

The Holiday Edition aims to blend culinary creativity with family-oriented holiday experiences, while deepening the festival’s long-standing commitment to enterprise development and SME empowerment.

Speaking at a press conference, Group Chief Executive Officer of GTCO Plc, Segun Agbaje, said the December edition reinforces the company’s mission to promote creativity and support small businesses that form the backbone of the Nigerian economy.

“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,” Agbaje said.

Surge in Vendor Participation

In line with GTCO’s tradition of enabling small businesses to thrive, participation in the Holiday Edition remains free for vendors. The bank disclosed that the 2025 outing attracted a record 4,000 applications, from which 213 food-based SMEs were selected—nearly double the number from the previous edition. All selected vendors are Nigerian-owned, offering diverse and affordable food options to festival visitors.

Festive Attractions and New Features

The 2025 Holiday Edition introduces several Christmas-themed features designed to elevate the visitor experience and cater to families:

• Christmas Village: A curated marketplace showcasing holiday gifts, artisanal products, and festive treats.
• Large Children’s Play Zone: A dedicated area featuring games and immersive activities for young families.
• Street Food Hub: A vibrant collection of signature Nigerian street foods celebrating the country’s culinary depth.
• Live Entertainment: High-energy DJ performances from two top Nigerian entertainers to enhance the festive atmosphere.

Strengthening Community Impact

GTCO stated that the Holiday Edition aligns with its broader corporate social responsibility focus on community development, SME growth, and cultural promotion. By leveraging the festive period, the company aims to deepen family engagement, boost local enterprise visibility, and enhance its role in championing authentic African lifestyle experiences.

The event remains free and open to the public, reaffirming GTCO’s commitment to accessibility and inclusiveness.