In a move designed to redefine the spectator experience at Africa’s biggest street party, FirstBank has constructed and donated a 500-seater premium bleacher for the 2025 edition of the Carnival Calabar and Festival.
The premier financial institution unveiled the landmark infrastructure on Friday, December 26, noting that the provision of the facility marks the first time a private sector partner has introduced such an exclusive seating arrangement in the history of the carnival.
The 500-seater bleacher is engineered to provide elevated viewing, enhanced safety, and exceptional comfort for carnival enthusiasts who previously had to contend with the rigors of standing or makeshift seating during the procession.
Speaking on the significance of the donation, the Acting Group Head, Marketing and Corporate Communications at FirstBank, Olayinka Ijabiyi, explained that the infrastructure investment aligns with the bank’s ‘First@Arts’ initiative, a vehicle dedicated to supporting the creative arts value chain across Nigeria.
He emphasized that the bank recognizes the transformative power of the arts in inspiring people and strengthening national unity, hence the decision to invest in tangible infrastructure that preserves the nation’s cultural heritage.
Ijabiyi stated that for over 131 years, the bank has supported platforms that promote self-expression and cultural exchange.
He noted that the introduction of the premium bleacher this year is a specific intervention to elevate the quality of the festival, ensuring that attendees enjoy an unforgettable viewing experience that matches global standards.
Commending the bank for the donation, the Chairman of the Cross River State Carnival Calabar Commission, Mr. Gabe Onah, described the intervention as a strong demonstration of private-sector support for culture and tourism.
He added that the partnership not only enhances the overall quality of the carnival but significantly strengthens its global appeal.
The project was executed in collaboration with Okhma Global Limited, the official marketer of the carnival, which has partnered with the Cross River State government for over a decade to drive the festival’s commercial growth.
