Day 1 of the GTCO Food and Drink Festival Nigeria delivered an unforgettable experience of taste, culture, and connection—highlighted by a surprise appearance from the ever-elegant Shaakara.

The 2025 GTCO Food and Drink Festival 2025 Day 1 launched with electrifying energy, drawing thousands of attendees to the iconic GTCentre in Lagos for a celebration of culinary excellence, cultural richness, and community pride. From dawn to dusk, Day 1 set a vibrant tone for the days ahead—blending local and global flavors with music, learning, and the warmth of shared experiences.

But one of the most unforgettable moments of the day? The radiant appearance of fashion and lifestyle icon, Shaakara, who graced the festival grounds with her unmistakable charm and style.

A Star Among Food Lovers: Shaakara’s Graceful Arrival

As crowds explored the colorful maze of food vendors, a ripple of excitement swept through the venue when Shaakara arrived—effortlessly elegant, embodying the spirit of Afrocentric luxury and empowerment. Her presence turned heads and lifted spirits, as she mingled with guests, posed for photos, and sampled delicacies from up-and-coming Nigerian chefs.

Representing the modern African woman—bold, brilliant, and beautifully rooted—Shaakara’s attendance wasn’t just a celebrity sighting; it was a symbol of support for local entrepreneurs and creatives redefining the culinary scene. She championed rising food brands, shopped from artisanal vendors, and even joined a few masterclasses, showcasing her down-to-earth charm and passion for lifestyle innovation.

A Culinary Wonderland Unfolds

From handcrafted drinks to sizzling street foods and gourmet bites, Day 1 offered a delicious introduction to the festival’s diverse offerings. Local vendors proudly displayed their creations—from spicy suya sliders to vegan jollof rice—celebrating Nigeria’s rich palate while pushing creative boundaries.

Festivalgoers marveled at Afro-fusion cocktails, Ghanaian-inspired pastries, and smoky barbecue—all set to the background rhythm of live Afrobeat performances and cultural dances.

Masterclasses and Mentorship Moments

A major highlight of Day 1 was the lineup of world-class culinary masterclasses, featuring international chefs and homegrown talent. These sessions explored both tradition and innovation in food—offering insight into techniques, trends, and the business of building a food brand in Africa.

Shaakara, known for mentoring young women in business and lifestyle, sat in on one of the classes focused on sustainable packaging and branding—encouraging young foodpreneurs and showing her alignment with GTCO’s empowerment-driven mission.

Family, Fun, and Community Vibes

GTCO ensured the festival remained inclusive for all ages. Families strolled happily between booths, kids enjoyed custom play zones, and couples danced to live performances. The ambiance was filled with laughter, aromas, and a collective pride in what Nigerian culture has to offer the world.

Shaakara’s interaction with guests, including selfies with fans and brief interviews with content creators, made the event feel personal—further bridging the gap between inspiration and access.

Supporting Local, Celebrating Culture

The success of Day 1 wasn’t just measured in foot traffic or sales—it was felt in the connections made, the smiles shared, and the empowerment sparked. With Shaakara present, the message was clear: African food, fashion, and entrepreneurship are on a global rise, and GTCO is creating the platform for it to thrive.

As she put it in a brief comment to a lifestyle reporter:
“This is more than food—it’s culture, it’s business, and it’s our future. I’m so proud to be part of this moment.”

Looking Forward to Day 2

As the sun set and guests exited with full bellies and full hearts, anticipation for Day 2 soared. If Day 1 was any indication, the GTCO Food and Drink Festival 2025 is poised to be a landmark celebration of all things delicious, dynamic, and distinctly African.

Shaakara is a fashion, entertainment and lifestyle blog, as well as a neutral online bargain base exhibition space. It’s highly entertaining, relaxing, and full of bright ideas, with beautiful pictures. We speak beauty, fashion, entertainment & lifestyle, while businesses display their bargain and offerings in an online open market for public awareness. This shows our vision in exploring and showcasing African virtues.