FirstBank partners with Calabar entertainment conference to boost creative industry

First Bank of Nigeria Limited has been unveiled as the official bank partner for the 9th edition of the Calabar Entertainment Conference (CEC), a flagship youth engagement platform for Nigeria’s creative sector.

The announcement was made by Hit FM, organizers of the annual conference, which will take place on October 17 and 18 at Hogis Royale, Calabar, Cross River State.

The Chief Executive Officer of Hit FM and executive producer of CEC, Patrick Ugbe emphasized the importance of the partnership, describing it as a timely intervention in an industry in urgent need of capacity building, funding, distribution, and thought leadership.

“We are thrilled to welcome FirstBank as the Official Bank of the Calabar Entertainment Conference. 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,” Ugbe said.

Speaking on the partnership, Acting Group Head, Marketing and Corporate Communications at FirstBank, Olayinka Ijabiyi said the bank’s involvement aligns with its commitment to youth empowerment and innovation.

“At FirstBank, we are passionate about supporting platforms that empower young people and nurture talent. Through our First@Arts initiative, 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,” Ijabiyi noted.

The two-day event will feature keynote addresses, masterclasses, panel sessions, and networking opportunities, designed to equip young talents, entrepreneurs, and industry stakeholders with the tools needed to maximize opportunities within Nigeria’s fast-growing creative economy.