Guaranty Trust Holding Company Plc has announced the 9th edition of the GTCO Food & Drink Festival 2026, scheduled to hold from May 1 to May 3, 2026, at GTCentre, Oniru, Victoria Island, Lagos.
Speaking at a press conference held on Wednesday, April 22, 2026, the Group Head, Media and External Communications, Oyin Adegbite, described this year’s theme, “Everything Food and Drink,” as a reflection of the festival’s evolution into a comprehensive platform that goes beyond food to celebrate culture, storytelling, innovation, and enterprise.
According to her, the 2026 edition will feature 204 free retail stalls, offering small and medium-scale businesses an opportunity to showcase their products, connect with a diverse audience, and expand their market reach. The festival will also host interactive masterclasses, live culinary demonstrations, food and wine tastings, and a vibrant marketplace that blends traditional and contemporary culinary experiences.
She noted that what distinguishes the festival is its intentional focus on accessibility and inclusivity, creating a level playing field where emerging entrepreneurs can thrive alongside established brands.
“The GTCO Food and Drink Festival has grown into a platform where enterprise meets opportunity. It is designed to give small businesses visibility, direct consumer access, and the chance to scale beyond their current capacity,” she said.
Adegbite further explained that the festival continues to serve as a catalyst for economic growth within Nigeria’s food ecosystem by supporting SMEs with exposure, networking opportunities, and real-time customer engagement.
Responding to questions from journalists, she also highlighted GTCO’s broader commitment to supporting small businesses through financial inclusion initiatives such as its Quick Credit for Small Business solution. The offering enables eligible entrepreneurs with active accounts and consistent cash flow to access instant loans via mobile phones, thereby supporting business continuity and growth. She clarified that such financial tools complement the platform’s objective of empowering SMEs.
On safety, Adegbite assured that comprehensive measures have been put in place to guarantee a secure environment for all participants. She disclosed that the bank is working closely with relevant agencies, including the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority, the Lagos State Fire Service, and emergency medical teams with ambulance services, to manage traffic, respond to emergencies, and ensure crowd safety throughout the event.
In addition, trained security personnel will be strategically deployed across the venue to oversee access control, crowd management, and overall safety operations.
“The safety of our guests, vendors, and partners is paramount. We have put in place robust systems and collaborations to ensure that everyone can enjoy the festival in a safe and well-coordinated environment,” she stated.
The Group Chief Executive Officer of GTCO Plc, Segun Agbaje, in earlier remarks, described the festival as a “living expression” of the institution’s commitment to innovation, enterprise, and shared experiences.
Since its inception, the GTCO Food and Drink Festival has grown into one of Africa’s leading culinary events, attracting participants from across Nigeria and beyond. Its free-entry model continues to reinforce its positioning as an inclusive, consumer-focused platform that brings people together through food, culture, and commerce.
With its blend of enterprise support, cultural celebration, and enhanced safety planning, the 2026 edition is set to deliver another impactful experience for vendors, stakeholders, and attendees alike.
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