First Bank of Nigeria Limited was today announced as the official bank partner for the flagship youth engagement program in the Creative Sector by Hit FM, the top radio station in Cross Rivers state and the organisers of the Calabar Entertainment Conference (CEC).
CEC has been held annually since 2017 and is in its ninth year. This year’s event, which will take place at Hogis Royale in Calabar, Cross River State, on October 17 and 18, will bring together young talent, business executives, investors, and legislators to discuss opportunities, address obstacles, and map out strategies for long-term growth in Nigeria’s vibrant creative economy. The collaboration highlights First Bank’s longstanding dedication to fostering entrepreneurship, innovation, and youth empowerment in a variety of industries.
Executive producer and Hit FM CEO, Patrick Ugbe says the creative sector: “has not been in more urgent need of interventions that facilitate capacity building, funding, distribution, and thought leadership.”
The FM’s CEO commented on First Bank’s onboarding as an official partner, saying: “By coming on board as the Official Bank, First Bank further demonstrates its role as a catalyst for growth, providing financial inclusion and fostering creativity among young Nigerians. Their support not only validates the importance of the creative sector in driving national development but also provides a strong platform for youth to access resources, knowledge, and networks that will help transform their ideas into sustainable ventures.”
Olayinka Ijabiyi, First Bank’s Acting Group Head, Marketing and Corporate Communications, also had this to say about the collaboration: “At First Bank, we are passionate about supporting platforms that empower young people and nurture talent. Our partnership with the Calabar Entertainment Conference aligns with our drive to promote innovation, creativity, and entrepreneurship as key drivers of Nigeria’s future.
“Through our First@Arts initiative, which is geared at consolidating support for the creative arts, we are leveraging platforms like the Calabar Entertainment Conference to enable our stakeholders to explore the wealth of opportunities that the creative industry has to offer,” he added.
BrandSpur banking and finance news desk reports that to motivate and prepare attendees to take full advantage of the opportunities in the creative industry, the two-day event will include keynote speeches, masterclasses, panel discussions, and networking opportunities.
