First Bank of Nigeria Limited (FirstBank) has been announced as the official banking partner for the 9th edition of the Calabar Entertainment Conference (CEC), marking another milestone in the development of Nigeria’s creative economy. The announcement was made today by Hit FM, the leading radio station in Cross River State and the organizers of the flagship youth engagement program.
Since its inception in 2017, the CEC has become a key platform for nurturing young talents, promoting innovative thinking, and facilitating collaborations within Nigeria’s rapidly growing creative sector. This year’s conference, scheduled for 17th and 18th October at Hogis Royale, Calabar, promises to bring together young talents, industry leaders, investors, and policymakers to discuss challenges, explore opportunities, and identify sustainable pathways for growth in the creative economy.
Patrick Ugbe, Executive Producer and CEO of Hit FM, emphasized the critical role of interventions in the creative sector, saying, “The creative sector has never been in more urgent need of support that enables capacity building, funding, distribution, and thought leadership. FirstBank’s partnership is a strong endorsement of this vision.”
Ugbe added, “By coming on board as the Official Bank, FirstBank is not only providing financial backing but also affirming its commitment to fostering creativity, innovation, and financial inclusion among young Nigerians. Their support will help transform ideas into viable, sustainable ventures.”
Olayinka Ijabiyi, Acting Group Head of Marketing and Corporate Communications at FirstBank, highlighted the bank’s dedication to youth empowerment, stating, “At FirstBank, we are passionate about supporting platforms that nurture talent and innovation. Partnering with the Calabar Entertainment Conference aligns perfectly with our mission to promote creativity, entrepreneurship, and innovation as drivers of Nigeria’s future economy.”
Ijabiyi further explained that FirstBank’s First@Arts initiative plays a central role in consolidating support for the creative arts. “Through First@Arts, we aim to provide young creatives and stakeholders with access to opportunities, resources, and networks that allow them to explore the full potential of the industry,” she said.
The two-day conference will feature a series of keynote speeches, panel discussions, masterclasses, and networking sessions, all designed to inspire and equip participants with the knowledge, skills, and connections needed to thrive in the creative sector. Topics will include funding strategies, intellectual property management, distribution channels, and leveraging technology for creative growth.
Industry experts note that events like CEC are vital for driving youth-led innovation and entrepreneurship in Nigeria, which is home to one of Africa’s largest creative economies. With FirstBank’s backing, the 2025 edition is expected to deliver tangible outcomes that will accelerate the sector’s development while providing emerging talents with the tools to compete on both national and global stages.
About the Calabar Entertainment Conference (CEC):
Founded in 2017, the CEC has consistently served as a platform for young creatives, industry leaders, and policymakers to engage, network, and develop sustainable strategies for the growth of Nigeria’s creative economy. The conference has become a benchmark for youth empowerment and creative industry development in the region.
FirstBank partners with the 9th Calabar Entertainment Conference to support youth empowerment, entrepreneurship, and the growth of Nigeria’s creative sector. The event will feature keynotes, masterclasses, panels, and networking for emerging talents.
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