First Bank has renewed its partnership with the Calabar Entertainment Conference and Festival (CECF) as the event’s official banking partner for the second consecutive year.
The 10th edition of the two-day event will bring together stakeholders in the creative and entertainment industries, including policymakers, business leaders, investors, artists, media professionals, content creators and young entrepreneurs.
First Bank will participate as a Platinum Sponsor through First@Arts, its initiative supporting the arts ecosystem in Africa. The initiative provides funding, visibility and capacity-building support to artists, curators, galleries, festivals and cultural institutions.
Patrick Ugbe, Executive Producer of CECF and Chief Executive Officer of Hit FM, described the renewed partnership as a vote of confidence in the festival’s vision.
“Having First Bank return as our official banking partner for the second consecutive year is both an honour and a vote of confidence in what we are building.
“Beyond sponsorship, this partnership reflects a shared belief that the creative industry is a powerful driver of economic development, job creation, youth empowerment and national growth,” Ugbe said.
Olayinka Ijabiyi, Group Head, Marketing and Corporate Communications, First Bank, said the partnership aligned with the bank’s strategic focus on supporting the creative economy.
“At First Bank, we remain committed to enabling success and creating value for our customers and the communities we serve.
“Our continued partnership with the Calabar Entertainment Conference and Festival aligns with our strategic focus on supporting the creative economy by providing platforms that inspire innovation, encourage entrepreneurship and unlock opportunities for sustainable growth,” Ijabiyi said.
The organisers said the festival would feature keynote addresses, masterclasses, panel discussions and networking sessions aimed at strengthening collaboration across the creative value chain.
They added that the event would further promote Cross River as a destination for creative exchange, cultural tourism and entertainment business in Africa.
