By Ayomide Otitoju
First Bank of Nigeria Limited has been unveiled as the official bank partner of the 2025 Calabar Entertainment Conference (CEC), a flagship youth engagement platform for the creative sector, organized by Hit FM.
Now in its ninth edition, the conference is scheduled to hold on October 17 and 18 at Hogis Royale, Calabar, Cross River State. It will convene young talents, industry leaders, investors, and policymakers to explore opportunities, tackle challenges, and chart sustainable growth pathways for Nigeria’s creative economy.
Patrick Ugbe, Executive Producer of CEC and CEO of Hit FM, said the creative industry is in urgent need of interventions in areas such as capacity building, funding, distribution, and thought leadership. He noted that FirstBank’s partnership highlights its role as a catalyst for growth, financial inclusion, and youth empowerment.
“We are thrilled to welcome FirstBank as the Official Bank of the Calabar Entertainment Conference,” Ugbe said. “Their support validates the importance of the creative sector in driving national development and creates a platform for young Nigerians to access resources, knowledge, and networks to transform their ideas into sustainable ventures.”
Speaking on the partnership, Olayinka Ijabiyi, Acting Group Head, Marketing and Corporate Communications at FirstBank, reaffirmed the bank’s commitment to nurturing talent and promoting innovation.
“At FirstBank, we are passionate about supporting platforms that empower young people. Our partnership with CEC aligns with our drive to promote creativity and entrepreneurship as key drivers of Nigeria’s future,” Ijabiyi said. “Through our First@Arts initiative, we are leveraging platforms like CEC to unlock opportunities within the creative industry.”
The two-day event will feature keynote addresses, panel discussions, masterclasses, and networking sessions designed to inspire and equip participants to harness the potential of Nigeria’s dynamic creative sector.
