MTN has reaffirmed its commitment to cultural excellence with its latest alignment with Gold Standard, held in Wuse, Abuja on Sunday August 24, 2025. Curated by Chef Taylor Odeje, the monthly dinner series is aimed at elevating Nigerian cuisine and setting a new standard for fine dining in the country.

The latest edition, one of the largest so far, was co-sponsored by MTN Nigeria. It brought together food enthusiasts, music lovers and cultural promoters in what the chef described as “a celebration of Nigerian talent, cuisine, and culture.”

Speaking on the sponsorship at the beginning of the event, Taylor stated: “Our partners and sponsors are the reason why we’re able to keep the lights on.”

Chef Taylor explained that the series, which is nomadic in nature with surprising pop-ups across Nigerian cities, aims to provide Nigerians with unique experiences that showcase familiar dishes in globally appealing styles. “We’re investing in culture,” he said. “It’s not really our tradition to dress up and come out for a fine dining experience, but this is a space where people can enjoy meals they already know, only refined and reimagined.”

The menu for the night included plantain blinis with tatashe coconut cream and rabbit as starters, and a fusion of mashed yam and plantain served with chicken in a rich herb-infused sauce as the main course. According to him, such meals, though rooted in Nigerian tradition, could be served in Europe for as much as $200. These meals are familiar Nigerian staples but presented in a fine-dining, globally appealing style. He stressed that “Nigerian cuisine, plated with finesse, can command premium prices internationally.”

Chef Taylor emphasized that The Gold Standard is more than a dinner, it is an evolving cultural movement. “The experience needs to be recreated until it becomes a part of us. People might be skeptical at first, but once they try it, they want to come back, and that’s how we build culture,” he said.

Other highlights of the event included a cultural dance display, live music and fashionable guests.

MTN’s support for The Gold Standard reflects the company’s broader purpose in championing culture and community. As MTN’s Chief Marketing Officer, Onyinye Ikenna-Emeka has previously stated, “At MTN, we believe in progress—not just as a brand stance but a purpose. We believe that every Nigerian, regardless of background, location, or education, deserves a chance to be connected, seen, heard, and celebrated.” This belief underscores MTN’s decision to sponsor cultural platforms that not only showcase Nigerian talent but also create opportunities for people to connect through shared experiences.