GTCO IS COMMITTED TO SUPPORTING SMALL BUSINESSES – SEGUN AGBAJE • As GTCO Food and Drinks Festival ends on a high note
By Oki Samson, Trek Africa Newspaper
Group Chief Executive Officer, GTCO Plc, Mr. Segun Agbaje
Group Chief Executive Officer, GTCO Plc, Mr. Segun Agbaje
The Group Chief Executive Officer of Guaranty Trust Holding Company Plc (also known as GTCO PLC), Mr. Segun Agbaje has affirmed the commitment of the financial institution to the growth of MSMEs in Nigeria as well as expanding the business space in the country. He made this known as he hailed the just-concluded GTCO Food and Drinks Festival as a huge success at the close of the 3-day festival on Monday 1st of May 2023.
The Food and Drink festival which took place in Lagos, Nigeria, brought together over 200 food and drink vendors. It also attracted food lovers, families, fun seekers, businessmen, speakers, and tourists from within and outside Nigeria.
Trek Africa Newspaper can report that aside providing a platform for small businesses to showcase their products, the GTCO Food and Drinks Festival featured master classes, music, fun, games and other entertainment activities for children, youths, women, and everyone in attendance. The festival was not only a celebration of Nigerian food and culture but also an opportunity for people to connect and network with others in the food and beverage industry. 
In his media chat, Mr. Segun Agbaje reiterated that it was GTCO’s commitment to small businesses that made it not to involve big brands or distributors in the event. Rather it is a platform to encourage small business owners and startups which are are the backbone of any economy. ‘Though people see it as a strategy for us to increase our customers, our major objective is to promote and see small businesses grow.’
Agbaje added that organizing such events like the GTCO Food and Drink Festival is their way of giving back to the society that has always supported and tolerated them. ‘We are not looking at the monetary value rather we are looking at what to give back to the society that has been supporting us’, Trek Africa Newspaper gathered.
Group Chief Executive Officer, GTCO Plc, Mr. Segun Agbaje
The Group CEO of GTCO stated that regardless of race, language, tribe, status, or anything else, food is one thing that unites people. The happiest moment in a man’s life is always when he shares a meal with friends and family. ‘However, if our vendors are ready, we are prepared to expand internationally. We had the opportunity to introduce Ire Odukale, the CEO of Ikoyi Restaurants in London, to attendees during one of our master classes. He explained his experience and the steps he took to get there. We are prepared to go where they dare if they so choose.’
Agbaje encouraged other organizations to do the same, stating that supporting small businesses is not only good for the economy but also helps to reduce poverty and inequality. Guaranty Trust Bank is committed to supporting small businesses in Nigeria through various initiatives, including providing access to finance and training programs.
