GTCO Plc is bringing its flagship Food & Drink Festival to the heart of the festive season with the announcement of a maiden Holiday Edition, set to take place on December 20–21, 2025, at the GT Centre, Oniru, Lagos. This special initiative is a core part of the Group’s commitment to corporate social responsibility, community development, and promoting enterprise.**
By introducing the Festival into the festive season, GTCO is deliberately repositioning the platform as more than a culinary showcase. The Holiday Edition is designed as a shared family experience that brings people together, celebrates African creativity, and creates economic opportunities for small businesses at a time of heightened social connection.
Speaking at the announcement in Lagos, the Group explained that this special edition reflects a strategic CSR-driven decision to strengthen family bonding and community engagement. Unlike previous editions that focused heavily on professional chef masterclasses, the Holiday Festival prioritises inclusive, family-friendly attractions, immersive entertainment, and an expanded marketplace that caters to all age groups.
Group Chief Executive Officer of GTCO Plc, Segun Agbaje, said the Holiday Edition underscores the organisation’s belief that excellence in business must go hand in hand with social impact.
> “The GTCO Food & Drink Festival is one of the ways we give back—by promoting enterprise, celebrating African creativity, and creating platforms that bring families and communities together. The Holiday Edition allows us to share the joy of the season while supporting **thousands of food entrepreneurs** who play a critical role in our economy,” Agbaje said.
### **Empowering SMEs Through Free Access**
Staying true to its inclusive CSR philosophy, GTCO has maintained its **free vendor participation model**, removing financial barriers for local entrepreneurs. This has led to a surge in participation:
| Vendor Participation Metrics (Holiday Edition) | Detail |
| Applications Received | Over 4,000 food vendors applied |
| SMEs Selected | 213 Nigerian-owned SMEs (almost double the number from the previous edition) |
The festival provides these SMEs with an expanded, high-visibility marketplace to offer a wide range of affordable, high-quality local cuisine, driving sustainable economic empowerment.
Designed for Families, Built for Community
The Holiday Edition is specifically curated for family interaction and festive enjoyment, introducing new features to enhance the community experience:
Christmas Village: A themed marketplace showcasing handcrafted gifts, seasonal treats, and artisanal products.
Children’s Play Zone: A dedicated, safe space filled with games and immersive holiday activities for young families.
Street Food Hub: A celebration of Nigeria’s iconic street food culture, reflecting the nation’s culinary diversity.
Live Entertainment: High-energy DJ performances by top Nigerian entertainers, creating a vibrant, inclusive atmosphere.
The GTCO Food & Drink Festival – Holiday Edition is free and open to the public, reinforcing the Group’s conviction that access to quality experiences, creativity, and opportunity should be widely shared.
