If there is an insight from the just concluded 2026 edition of the GTCO Food & Drink Festival, it is the fact that, come rain or shine, food and drink top the list of priorities for human existence and survival – you want to stay alive, you have to eat and drink.

The dwindling economy of the country and the hardship citizens experience becomes a roaring echo from a distant the moment a decent meal is served – fixing the problem of hunger becomes a priority, making everything else seem less.

The Guaranty Trust Holding Company Plc (GTCO), organisers of the GTCO Food & Drink Festival understands this surviving technique and how to activate it amid the struggles of citizens when they tagged the 2026 edition of the festival ‘Everything Food and Drink’.

Considering the crowd that turned up at the three-day event which commenced on May 1 and ended on May 3, 2026, the reality that everyone basically makes a living to afford food and drink on their table before other living essentials are considered come to the fore. It is a case of fixing the problem of hunger to be alive to see others through.

Everyone Is A Food Lover
The festival is designed in a way that takes care of the diversities of food preferences and dietary choices, everyone eats something and the festival provides that for all – young and old.

Bringing People Together
Whether in the worst or best of times, food always brings people together. According to the GTCO Plc Group Chief Executive Officer, Segun Agbaje, the festival is rooted in a simple belief that food in its simplest form is the most meaningful experience that brings people together. “It connects culture, tells stories and creates moments that linger long after the experience itself.”

A Fusion Of Food, Music, Culture
The festival gives you the privilege to eat food from diverse cultures and dance or nod your head to good music while at it. And at a section of the space is the all-day-masterclass scheduled at different times. Any time you get to the venue, there is a live masterclass session readily available for you to learn the ropes of making food and drink – from traditional recipes to contemporary global cuisines where Chefs like Dera Oluyede and Kemi Anazodo taught the audience how to make Cinnamon Rolls and Chocolate Chips Cookies; Dylan Eitharong made Thai Curries; Begona Rodrigo made L’albufera, a Mediterranean landscape; Paolo Griffa did Italian Cuisine; Andre Huston Mack did Andre Huston Mack’s World of Wine; Tayi Marinyama did Dashi & Unami – The Foundation of Japanese Cuisine; Chef Arbinden Dugal did The Dum Pukht Biryani Experience; Camari Mick did Sorrel (Zobo) Curd in a Tart; Jennifer Kill Booker did Revival: A Celebration of Southern Brunch; Jean-Baptiste Ascione did Refined Dish inspired by French Cuisine and Dominique Leach did American Soul Food & BBQ.

Beyond Food, A Platform For Creativity, Enterprise
The festival provides a platform for small businesses, emerging talents and established brands within a shared space of opportunity and expression. Agbaje said the festival is the brand’s expression of its commitment to promoting enterprise by providing hundreds of entrepreneurs with free retail platforms and access to a wider audience.