FirstBank Raises the Bar at Carnival Calabar 2025 with Landmark 500-Seater Premium Bleacher

 FirstBank of Nigeria Limited, West Africa’s premier financial institution and a leading financial inclusion services provider, has reaffirmed its long-standing commitment to Nigeria’s creative and cultural economy with the official announcement of its sponsorship of the Carnival Calabar & Festival 2025.
In a historic first for the globally acclaimed carnival, FirstBank is introducing an exclusive 500-seater premium bleacher, setting a new standard for comfort, safety, and immersive viewing at Africa’s biggest street party. The private seating facility is designed to deliver an elevated carnival experience, offering guests a secure, well-structured, and premium vantage point to enjoy the spectacle of colours, music, and cultural expression that define Carnival Calabar.
Speaking on the sponsorship, Olayinka Ijabiyi, Acting Group Head, Marketing and Corporate Communications at FirstBank, said the Bank’s involvement is anchored on its First@Arts initiative, a strategic platform dedicated to supporting the creative arts value chain across Nigeria.
“We recognise the transformative power of the arts — including carnivals — in inspiring communities, fostering social cohesion, and strengthening national unity. For more than 131 years, FirstBank has consistently supported platforms that promote self-expression, social reflection, and cultural exchange,” Ijabiyi stated.
He added that the Bank’s investment in Carnival Calabar underscores its commitment to preserving and promoting Nigeria’s rich cultural heritage.
“As part of our sponsorship this year, we are unveiling the first-ever private 500-seater premium bleacher to further elevate the carnival experience. This exclusive seating is designed to provide exceptional comfort, enhanced safety, and an unforgettable viewing experience for attendees,” he said.
The Chairman of the Cross River State Carnival Calabar Commission, Gabe Onah, described FirstBank’s sponsorship as a significant boost for the festival’s quality and international appeal.
“FirstBank’s involvement is a strong demonstration of private-sector support for culture and tourism. This partnership not only enhances the overall quality of the carnival but also strengthens its global visibility and attractiveness,” Onah noted.
The Carnival Calabar & Festival 2025 is officially marketed by Okhma Global Limited, the appointed Official Marketer responsible for brand partnerships, promotional engagements, and ticket sales. With over a decade of collaboration with the Cross River State Government, Okhma Global Limited has played a pivotal role in driving the carnival’s commercial expansion and positioning it as a globally competitive cultural tourism product.
With this landmark sponsorship, FirstBank once again reinforces its role as a catalyst for cultural development, innovation, and nation-building — blending finance with the arts to deliver experiences that celebrate Nigeria’s identity on the global stage.