The well thought out Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) drive initiated by GTCO to enhance Small and Medium Scale (SME) industry, with a focus on Nigeria’s potentially lucrative Food and Drink sub-sector of the economy has remained an applaudable vision that is consistently attaining its intended purpose year in, year out.
Tagged GTCO Food and Drink Festival, it has significantly entered its 8th year, an experience which began on Friday, 2nd May 2025 and stretched for two more days to Sunday, 4th of May 2025. It took place at its usual venue, Plot 1, Water Corporation Drive Oniru, Lagos.
In fact, the compelling annual event is a food exhibition and sales event capturing diverse angles of the food industry. This is achieved by connecting various businesses involved in the production and sale of food-related items to a cosmopolitan audience of food enthusiasts across the world. By that, immense values are added to food business through the exposure, sales, contacts and connections between them and customers as well as meeting their varied culinary expectations and nutritional needs.
The well planned and executed format encompasses Exhibitions, Master Classes, Pop-up Restaurants and Kids Arena. In specific terms, the Exhibitions essentially increased brand visibility and sales, whilst showcasing the latest products, trends and innovations in the food industry. On its part, the Master Classes achieved the objectives of fostering knowledge and capacity building for all, featuring cooking lessons from top Nigerian and foreign chefs.
Through the Pop-up Restaurants customers enjoyed a variety of tastings from casual to gourmet traditional Nigerian dishes and continental specialties. The Kids Arena provided a cozy, family- friendly ambience as an event for the kids. Through it, children had the opportunity to engage in fun and thrilling, educational activities.
For Veracity Desk (veracitydesk.com), a visit to the Fair became an imperative. The aim was to have a first-hand view, knowledge and experience of the promises made by GTCO. Also, the essence was to meet with and engage some of the participants as to know what they do and what leverage, if any, the Food and Drink Festival had brought to their variegated businesses. It was truly an exciting moment it turned out to be!
For instance, young and enterprising Tope Oyeyemi who represented his principal beamed with smiles as several customers besieged his stand for his unique presentation of several spices. These include thyme, black pepper, white pepper, peppersoup spice, suya spice, grill mix and a variety of powder from ginger, garlic, fenugreek, chilli, curry, cinnamon and turmeric. He was full of praises for the GTCO Food Festival as it provided him the opportunity to showcase and sell some of these products to many customers. But he was not alone in his gratitude.
In a similar vein, Ms. Bimbo Olaniyi from Ikeja, Lagos state, paraded not a few sizes of snails which she boasted is potent as cure to high blood pressure, if taken regularly. As for Gloria Eboh, who runs her food processing outfit in Satellite Town in Lagos, her company’s services are much sought-after.
As far as creativity goes, many thriving companies wowed the customers with their products and services at the three-day event. The great knowledge shared by highly experienced facilitators for the masterclasses, it was one tasty treat to be savoured for years to come. The sessions were headlined by an impressive lineup of international culinary maestros: GTCO Food and Drink Festival 2025 brought in an impressive lineup of culinary experts for the masterclasses, offering a rich, hands-on experience for food enthusiasts. Hosted by an international team, the masterclass guests included
Chef Hiroo Nagahara (Japan): with sharp knives and even sharper flavours.
Chef Gabriel Rodriguez (Mexico): bringing tacos and tales.
Chef Thomas Zacharias (India): blending spice with storytelling.
Chef Daniel Galmiche (France): classic French elegance with flair.
Chef Lorenzo Cogo (Italy): transforming simple ingredients into masterpieces.
Chef Lasheeda Perry (USA): creating magic with sweets and precision.
Chef Hardette Harris (USA): serving up authentic North Louisiana comfort.
Chef Tamra Patterson (USA): a master of Creole flavours.
Chef Tilewa Odedina (Nigeria): championing African flavours and nutrition.
Chef Shalamar Lane (USA): grilling up a storm with perfect BBQ.
Chef Cristian Duhalde (Argentina): turning pizza into art.
Chef Uche Annie Ugoka (Nigeria): inspiring kids with the joy of baking.
These classes weren’t just cooking demos, they were full-on edible performances. And what made it even more exciting? Their expertise took the audience on a journey across the globe, from sushi to spice to traditional French dishes. With their unique approaches to cooking and their infectious passion for food, these chefs made the experience truly unforgettable.
In all, the GTCO Food and Drink Festival appeared as a brilliant idea that has come at the right time to inspire and add multiplying value to the Nigeria’s entrepreneurial ecosystem. Firstly, it falls in tandem with the call for the diversification from the oil-dominated economy. Secondly, its focus on SMEs is auspicious and it is poised to grow the local food and beverage industry.
Another striking experience GTCO made participants to go through was the fact that admission to the Food and Drink Festival arena was free, under a serene and secured atmosphere and everyone was welcomed in the extraordinary celebration of food, culture, and enterprise.
