By Olayinka Akanbi
GTCO Food & Drink Festival united chefs, entrepreneurs and families in Lagos, celebrating African cuisine, innovation and small business growth
The 9th edition of the GTCO Food & Drink Festival reaffirmed its status as one of Africa’s largest culinary gatherings, bringing together food lovers, chefs, entrepreneurs and families for three days of gastronomy, innovation and cultural exchange.
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Held from May 1st to 3rd 2026 at the GTCentre, Oniru, Victoria Island, Lagos, the festival was themed ‘Everything Food and Drink’, reflecting its ambition to showcase not only diverse cuisines but also the stories, traditions and businesses behind them.
Unlike a conventional food fair, the festival has evolved into a platform where commerce meets culture.
This year’s edition featured 204 free retail stalls, selected from more than 6,000 vendor applications, giving small and medium-sized food businesses alongside established brands an opportunity to reach thousands of consumers without the burden of exhibition fees.
Visitors sampled everything from traditional Nigerian delicacies to global cuisines, while internationally renowned chefs and culinary experts led interactive masterclasses, live cooking demonstrations and tasting sessions.
These sessions catered to aspiring chefs, restaurateurs and home cooks eager to refine their craft and explore emerging food trends.
Beyond the food, the festival maintained its reputation as a family-friendly event.
Dedicated children’s play areas, kids’ baking classes, live entertainment and music ensured that the experience appealed to every age group, transforming the venue into a vibrant community space rather than simply a marketplace.
For Guaranty Trust Holding Company (GTCO), the festival represents more than corporate sponsorship.
Group Chief Executive Officer Segun Agbaje described it as an expression of the institution’s commitment to innovation, enterprise and community building, noting that food serves as a universal language capable of connecting people across cultures while creating economic opportunities for entrepreneurs.
Since its inception, the GTCO Food & Drink Festival has become a significant fixture on Nigeria’s cultural calendar.
It demonstrates how financial institutions can contribute meaningfully to the creative economy by supporting food entrepreneurs, promoting tourism and celebrating Africa’s rich culinary heritage.
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The festival has grown beyond an annual event into a cultural institution that champions both enterprise and identity.
