By Yemisi Suleiman

The inaugural edition of GTCO Food & Drink Festival Holiday Edition, delivered an experience Lagos truly needed this festive season.

From the beautifully arranged Christmas Village, filled with handcrafted gifts, seasonal treats, artisanal products, and holiday entertainment, to the Street Food Hub serving a wide variety of Nigerian street foods, and the energetic live entertainment stage, the event offered something for everyone.

Held over two days, from Saturday to Sunday, December 20th–21st, the GTCO Food and Drink Festival gave guests a fully engaging experience. However, it was clear that the children had the most fun. Their dedicated play zone, packed with exciting activities, created lasting memories of holiday joy and laughter

Some children, while scooping bowls of ice cream, shared their excitement: “Our parents have been buying everything for us. The food, the drinks, we love this particular ice cream. We have already bought it twice, and the vendor promised to give us a few small cups for free if we return for another round. But I don’t think our parents will let us have some more,” says 9 years old Gbemi Arowolo. “we’ve had enough. Our favorite part here is the games. We get to play different smart games we haven’t tried before with other really clever kids.”

Mrs. Melissa Xanders, an attendee with her children, Milicent and Melvin, shared her experience: “We came to explore the food and drinks. My kids had so much fun at the game station playing various games, riding bikes, and racing shoes. It’s been an exciting day, and I’m glad we came.” Her daughter Milicent called it a “fun-filled experience,” while Melvin added, “It’s like Christmas abroad! I can’t wait to try more food.”

Mrs. Xanders emphasized the importance of such events: “This festival provides a platform for people to showcase their talents and products, which helps attract customers and supports local economic growth.”

Johan, a Liberian doctor visiting Nigeria with her family, described her experience as “lovely and delicious.” She appreciated the variety of vendors and the festive atmosphere, noting, “It’s a delicious experience for the children and me. The gaming stations are amazing, and this event can boost local businesses. Some vendors here might even become successful after this.

For vendors, the festival provided a valuable platform to showcase their unique products and passion for food. Amira Mohammed Abdulrazak, founder and CEO of Sacks and Syrup a gourmet dessert company attributed her success to the exposure she gained. “The event has opened many doors for us, more sales, marketing opportunities, and networking. We have been in business for a year, and we’ve done over 830 events. Being part of this festival has been a wild ride, and we’re grateful for the platform.”

Other vendors shared their enthusiasm. Buba, CEO of ChopsCityng, which specializes in jollof rice and Nigerian delicacies, said, “We love every minute of this. We believe this event will help us grow and reach new customers.” With a loyal customer base built on consistent quality, Buba expressed optimism about expanding her business further, noting, “We’re getting great feedback and more orders daily. This is a fantastic opportunity for visibility and growth.”

William Habib, owner of Munchies After Dark (MAD) a fast-food business, also participated. “We offer top-quality food with quick delivery,” he explained. “We’ve been in the industry for over 10 years, and we’re excited about the exposure. This event will help us reach more customers and boost sales.”

Anireju Ayida, CEO and founder of Crinkles, a plantain chips brand highlighted how the festival increased her business’s visibility. “We’re offering a variety of flavors and pairings, from parfaits to salads. It’s been a fantastic experience, and we’re getting a lot of interest, orders, and positive feedback. This event is helping us grow and connect with new customers.”

Created by Guaranty Trust Company GTCO to support local communities, promote small businesses, and celebrate Nigeria’s rich food and cultural heritage, the Holiday Edition turned the festive season into a lively culinary celebration. It highlighted Nigeria’s diverse food culture while providing a strong platform for local entrepreneurs to grow and shine. As the first-ever Holiday Edition, it set the tone for a new Christmas tradition, one that is memorable and worth looking forward to every year.