By Ayomide Otitoju
FirstBank Nigeria Limited has announced its support for the Lagos International Theatre Festival (LITF), marking it as the first event of its kind in the state. The bank’s Managing Director, Olusegun Alebiosu, represented by Executive Director of Retail Banking South, Seyi Oyefeso, highlighted that this sponsorship aligns with FirstBank’s First@Arts Initiative.
Through First@Arts, FirstBank aims to strengthen the creative arts industry by offering financial support, advisory services, and sponsorships across the arts sector. Recently, under this initiative, FirstBank sponsored a performance of Kurunmi, a play by Ola Rotimi.
“FirstBank is proud to be the lead sponsor of this groundbreaking event organized by Terra Kulture in collaboration with the Lagos State government,” Alebiosu noted. He emphasized that the bank’s commitment to the arts reflects its longstanding focus on fostering cultural growth and community engagement. “As a corporate institution deeply woven into the fabric of society, FirstBank recognizes the transformative power of the arts, fostering cohesion and cultural exchange,” he added.
Bolanle Austen-Peters, founder of LITF, emphasized the festival’s role in building a creative ecosystem and referenced the lasting cultural and economic impact of events like FESTAC ’77. “We are bringing together global troupes, including performers from the United States, South Africa, and Zambia,” Austen-Peters said, adding that the festival unifies cultures and creates economic benefits through artisan stalls, hotel bookings, and more.
LITF Director, Vanessa Jev, announced that the festival will feature over 20 plays across four Lagos venues, showcasing the diversity of global arts and culture.
