….. As Chef Christian Duhalde Shares Culinary Wisdom with Kids at Pizza Master Class.
The 2025 GTCO Food and Drink Master Classes have kicked off with a focus on children as renowned chef and restaurateur Christian Duhalde captivated young minds in a special kids’ pizza masterclass, blending culinary education with cultural appreciation.
Speaking during the event, Chef Duhalde emphasized the shared culinary heritage between West Africa and parts of Latin America, highlighting staple ingredients like plantain and cassava. “We may not share the same recipes, but we certainly share a lot of the same ingredients,” he said, drawing connections between Nigerian and South American cuisines.
Duhalde, who boasts nearly 30 years of experience in the culinary world, described his love for working with children as a way to invest in the future. “Kids are like sponges. They absorb so much. Even if they don’t become chefs, learning about food is essential,” he explained.
With a career spanning continents, including time in Easter Island also known as Rapa Nui, Duhalde brings a global perspective to his food.
For aspiring chefs, especially the children who attended his class, Duhalde offered heartfelt advice: “Whatever you do, do it with love. Becoming a chef is a commitment, like becoming a priest. It’s not easy at the beginning, but if you truly love it, it becomes fulfilling.”
He also encouraged young culinary hopefuls to gain real-world experience before diving into formal training. “Try working in a restaurant first. Even just a few weeks will show you what it means to be a chef.”
Earlier in his welcome remarks, the Group Chief Executive Officer of GTCO Plc, Segun Julius Agbaje, emphasized the powerful role food plays in uniting people, preserving culture, and fostering enterprise.
Agbaje described food as more than nourishment calling it “a tradition that binds us in shared moments of joy and connection.” He reflected on how, across Africa and beyond, meals serve as storytellers, conveying heritage, family warmth and glimpses of the future.
“Through food, we welcome others into our world, sharing not just a meal, but a piece of ourselves,” he said.
Highlighting GTCO’s dedication to enterprise development, he noted that the festival “celebrates not only food but the people who make it and the cultures it represents.”
He expressed gratitude to stakeholders and supporters who have contributed to the festival’s growth and invited all guests; customers, exhibitors and food lovers to enjoy a weekend of celebration, cuisine and cultural exchange.
“We warmly invite everyone to come along with their friends and family for a fun-filled weekend of food, drink and togetherness,” he said.
Blacktalker who was on ground to witness the events, reports that the festival, eighth in its series has become one of Nigeria’s most anticipated culinary gatherings, serves as a vibrant and free platform for small food businesses to showcase their offerings, scale their brands and connect with a diverse audience.
The GTCO Food and Drink Festival continues through the weekend in Lagos, with dozens of vendors, cooking masterclasses, tasting sessions and live entertainment scheduled.