First Bank of Nigeria Limited has been announced as the official bank partner for the Calabar Entertainment Conference, organised by Hit FM, a radio station in Cross River State.

This was disclosed in a statement on Wednesday by the bank.

CEC has been held every year since 2017 and is now in its ninth year.

Speaking on the sponsorship, the executive producer/Chief Executive Officer of Hit FM, Patrick Ugbe, said that the creative sector “has not been in more urgent need of interventions that facilitate capacity building, funding, distribution, and thought leadership.”

This year’s event will be held in October in Calabar, Cross River State, bringing together young talents, industry leaders, investors, and policymakers to explore opportunities, tackle challenges, and chart pathways for sustainable growth within Nigeria’s dynamic creative economy.

Ugbe added, “By coming on board as the Official Bank, FirstBank further demonstrates its role as a catalyst for growth, providing financial inclusion and fostering creativity among young Nigerians.

“We are thrilled to welcome FirstBank as the Official Bank of the Calabar Entertainment Conference. Their support not only validates the importance of the creative sector in driving national development but also provides a strong platform for youth to access resources, knowledge, and networks that will help transform their ideas into sustainable ventures.”

Also speaking on the partnership, the Acting Group Head, Marketing and Corporate Communications, FirstBank, Olayinka Ijabiyi, stated, “At FirstBank, we are passionate about supporting platforms that empower young people and nurture talent. Our partnership with the Calabar Entertainment Conference aligns with our drive to promote innovation, creativity, and entrepreneurship as key drivers of Nigeria’s future.

“Through our First@Arts initiative, which is geared at consolidating support for the creative arts, we are leveraging platforms like the Calabar Entertainment Conference to enable our stakeholders to explore the wealth of opportunities that the creative industry has to offer.”

The two-day event will feature keynote addresses, masterclasses, panel discussions, and networking sessions designed to inspire and equip participants to maximise the opportunities in the creative industry.