GTCO Food and Drink Festival 2024 was a vibrant celebration of culinary delights where food lovers gathered for an unforgettable extravaganza of food of all types, from every nook and cranny world of the world depending on individual taste.
The three day event which happened from April 26 to 28, 2024, at the sprawling grounds of the GTCentre on Victoria Island was transformed into a bustling epicentre of culinary innovation and cultural celebration.
Segun Agbaje, Group Chief Executive Officer of Guaranty Trust Holding Company Plc, expressed his delight at welcoming participants from across Africa and beyond to indulge in a celebration not just of food, but of the diverse tapestry of cultures that make African cuisine truly unique.
“This event is a celebration of not just food, but of the rich tapestry of cultures and traditions that make African cuisine so unique.
“Our vision for curating this consumer-focused event is unchanging. We hope to consistently create memorable moments for everyone while providing a free, vibrant, and commercially viable platform for small food businesses in Nigeria to grow and thrive.” He remarked.
From the moment visitors set foot inside the festival grounds, they were greeted by tantalising aromas, live cooking demonstrations, and a bustling marketplace showcasing hundreds of food retailers. The festival boasted a wealth of activities catering to food lovers of all ages, including engaging masterclasses, interactive exhibits, and a specially curated play area for children.
The festival presented itself as more than just a celebration of food; but a fulfilling experience.
The event witness masterclasses, featuring renowned culinary maestros such as Aldo Zilli and Robin McBride. Zilli delved into the nuances of Italian cuisine beyond pasta, while McBride offered insights into the art of wine tasting, taking attendees on a sensory journey through the world of viticulture.
Attendees at the event were treated to an array of traditional dishes and innovative fusion cuisines that showcased the continent’s rich culinary heritage.
From the spicy and succulent skewered beef suya to the puffy puff puff, each bite offered an experience of flavours that delighted and engaged multiple senses and left taste buds craving more.
The festival’s street food lineup was a particular hit, with vendors teasing noses with grilled delicious treats that stirred memories of Lagos’ bustling street corners. From pitakiwa boli and grills to mouthwatering barbecue delights, attendees indulged in a basketfull of culinary delights that showcased the best of Nigerian cuisine.
An attendee who was at the street food session said “You won’t belive how much of a food you are until you visit GTCO Food and Drink festival where you find yourself craving for everything on display like a pregnant woman.”
Another attendee said, “I have been on this long queue for a while, I came her with three of my friends including my fiancée, two of my siblings are also here somewhere enjoying themselves and guess what, my mother has called twice to remind me to buy her roasted ram meat and roasted plantain which is why I have been on this long queue for about 20 mins.”
Chinedu Obi, who was also an attendee at the event said “Thumbs up to GTCO Food and Drink, it’s been a remarkable experience of great food and entertaining music. I was here on Friday evening after work and here today and would be here tomorrow which is Sunday to enjoy every bit of this event.”