GTBANK FOOD AND DRINK FAIR

By Ogbonnaya Amarachi

The GTB Food and Drink Fair which held from the 29th of April to 1st of May, 2018 took place at Plot 1, Water Corporation, Oniru, Victoria Island, Lagos. I can confidently say it was the loudest event of the first quarter of this year, being my first time at the fair, I was gobsmacked at the  crowd and architecture of the venue. I would say, of all my wakandaring (waka waka), this was the one that got to me. I went as press, so I saw everything.

It would interest you to know that the event drew over 133 vendors majorly from the hospitality Industry and 12 seasoned chefs who taught master classes which was by the way, free for attendees who had registered for them prior to the event.

There were master classes for both children and adults alike who wanted to learn more about domestic and continental dishes. Seasoned chefs, both local and international were more than happy to show attendees their culinary skills and boy, it was really interesting to be there and network.

A chef showing off her culinary skill at the master class

There was enough testing testing for all who came, the pricing started from 500 naira and above. There was the farm section, mainly for street food vendors, fresh foods and consumables.

The interior part of the venue housed different sections such as confectioneries, drinks; alcoholic and non-alcoholic, fizzy and carbonated drinks, wines and spirits,etc.It was a beehive of activities inside and outside the venue. Business owners made money from sales and networked with people. It was indeed a delight to see a Nigerian bank do this for its customers.

Cross section of shoppers inside the hall

Friends and foes alike came in and thoroughly enjoyed themselves wining, dining and dancing to hip hop music. The carefully selected small business owners whose business life spanned from 2 years and below came at no cost whatsoever, no fee was attached to getting a tent at the fair, instead they were brought together to showcase the rich cultural culinary skills of Nigeria, aided by a bank that cares for its customers and small businesses. This show of affection from a bank in Nigeria makes one wonder where Nigerians get the idea that banks don't care for them only their money, Guarantee Trust Bank is gently changing the consciousness of consumers with the innovative events they have been doing for the past three years both in the media and business world.

Well done GTB, the bank that cares. No wonder they keep raking up awards year in, year out, those who come up with these ideas should be given a pat on the back for a job well done. I thoroughly enjoyed myself the day I went.

A cross section of attendees outside the hall

Watch out for the Lagos Bridal Fashion Week, the convergence of bridal vendors, brides to be and wedding planners. The first of its kind in Lagos and yours truly will be on ground to cover the event, you don't want to miss out this post, stay tuned.

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Have a great day fam.