In a landmark announcement, First Bank of Nigeria Limited has been unveiled as the official banking partner for the 9th edition of the Calabar Entertainment Conference (CEC), a premier platform dedicated to engaging and empowering Nigeria’s vibrant youth within the creative sector. The announcement was made by Hit FM, the organizers of the annual conference, which is set to take place on October 17 and 18 at the prestigious Hogis Royale in Calabar, Cross River State. This partnership marks a significant milestone in fostering the growth of Nigeria’s creative economy, providing a robust platform for young talents, entrepreneurs, and industry stakeholders to access critical resources, knowledge, and networks.
A Strategic Partnership for Nigeria’s Creative Industry
The Calabar Entertainment Conference has established itself as a flagship event for Nigeria’s creative sector, bringing together industry leaders, emerging talents, and stakeholders to discuss trends, opportunities, and challenges in the rapidly evolving creative economy. The partnership with FirstBank underscores the bank’s commitment to supporting initiatives that drive innovation, youth empowerment, and economic development.
Patrick Ugbe, the Chief Executive Officer of Hit FM and the executive producer of CEC, emphasized the significance of this collaboration, describing it as a timely and transformative intervention for an industry in dire need of capacity building, funding, distribution channels, and thought leadership. “We are thrilled to welcome FirstBank as the Official Bank of the Calabar Entertainment Conference,” Ugbe said. “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.”
Ugbe further highlighted the conference’s role in addressing critical gaps in the creative industry, particularly for young Nigerians who are increasingly turning to creative fields such as music, film, fashion, and digital content creation as viable career paths. The partnership with FirstBank, he noted, will amplify the conference’s impact by providing financial and institutional support to empower participants and foster sustainable growth in the sector.
FirstBank’s Commitment to Youth and Innovation
FirstBank’s involvement in the Calabar Entertainment Conference aligns seamlessly with its long-standing commitment to youth empowerment, innovation, and the promotion of Nigeria’s creative industries. Olayinka Ijabiyi, the Acting Group Head of Marketing and Corporate Communications at FirstBank, elaborated on the bank’s strategic vision for supporting platforms like CEC. “At FirstBank, we are passionate about supporting platforms that empower young people and nurture talent,” Ijabiyi said. “Through our First@Arts initiative, 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 First@Arts initiative is a cornerstone of FirstBank’s efforts to champion the creative sector, providing financial support, mentorship, and access to opportunities for young creatives and entrepreneurs. By partnering with CEC, FirstBank aims to bridge the gap between talent and opportunity, equipping participants with the tools and knowledge needed to thrive in a competitive and dynamic industry.
Ijabiyi also underscored the broader economic implications of supporting the creative sector, noting that it is a significant driver of job creation, innovation, and cultural expression. “The creative industry is not just about entertainment; it is a vital component of Nigeria’s economy, contributing to GDP growth, youth employment, and global cultural influence,” she said. “FirstBank is proud to play a role in unlocking the potential of this sector through strategic partnerships like the one with CEC.”
The Calabar Entertainment Conference: A Catalyst for Change
The 9th edition of the Calabar Entertainment Conference promises to be a transformative event, building on the success of previous editions to deliver a dynamic and impactful experience for attendees. Scheduled for October 17 and 18, the two-day event will feature a diverse lineup of activities designed to equip participants with the skills, knowledge, and networks needed to succeed in Nigeria’s fast-growing creative economy.
The conference will include keynote addresses from industry leaders, masterclasses led by experts in various creative fields, panel discussions on pressing issues affecting the sector, and networking sessions to foster collaboration and partnerships. These activities are tailored to address the unique challenges faced by young talents and entrepreneurs, such as access to funding, market opportunities, and professional development.
The creative economy in Nigeria has witnessed exponential growth in recent years, driven by the rise of digital platforms, increased global demand for African content, and the entrepreneurial spirit of the country’s youth. Sectors such as Nollywood, Afrobeats, fashion, and digital content creation have gained international recognition, positioning Nigeria as a global leader in creative output. However, challenges such as inadequate funding, limited access to training, and fragmented distribution networks continue to hinder the sector’s full potential.
The Calabar Entertainment Conference aims to address these challenges by providing a platform for knowledge sharing, capacity building, and collaboration. By bringing together stakeholders from across the creative value chain—artists, producers, investors, policymakers, and corporate partners—the conference creates an ecosystem where ideas can flourish, and opportunities can be seized.
Empowering Nigeria’s Youth Through the Creative Economy
Nigeria’s youth population, which constitutes over 60% of the country’s total population, is a driving force behind the creative economy. With a median age of 18.1 years, Nigeria is one of the youngest nations in the world, and its youth are increasingly turning to creative industries as a means of self-expression, economic empowerment, and social impact.
The Calabar Entertainment Conference recognizes the pivotal role of young people in shaping the future of Nigeria’s creative sector. By providing access to mentorship, training, and resources, the conference empowers participants to turn their creative passions into sustainable careers. The partnership with FirstBank enhances this mission by providing financial backing and institutional support, ensuring that the conference reaches a wider audience and delivers greater impact.
One of the key objectives of CEC is to bridge the gap between talent and opportunity. For many young creatives, access to funding and professional networks remains a significant barrier to success. Through its partnership with FirstBank, the conference will offer participants access to financial literacy programs, funding opportunities, and mentorship from industry experts. These resources are critical in helping young talents navigate the complexities of the creative industry and build sustainable businesses.
Moreover, the conference will explore emerging trends in the creative economy, such as the impact of digital platforms, artificial intelligence, and globalization on content creation and distribution. By equipping participants with knowledge of these trends, CEC aims to prepare them for the future of work in the creative sector, where adaptability and innovation are key to success.
The Role of Corporate Partnerships in Driving Development
The partnership between FirstBank and the Calabar Entertainment Conference highlights the growing role of corporate organizations in supporting Nigeria’s creative economy. As the sector continues to gain prominence, corporate partnerships have become essential in providing the resources and infrastructure needed to scale creative initiatives.
FirstBank’s involvement in CEC is part of a broader trend of corporate investment in Nigeria’s creative industries. Companies across various sectors are recognizing the economic and social value of supporting creative platforms, particularly those that empower youth and drive innovation. By aligning with CEC, FirstBank is positioning itself as a leader in this space, demonstrating its commitment to fostering sustainable development through strategic partnerships.
The bank’s First@Arts initiative has already made significant strides in supporting Nigeria’s creative sector, with programs that provide funding, training, and market access to young creatives. By partnering with CEC, FirstBank is expanding its reach and impact, creating new opportunities for collaboration and growth.
A Platform for Collaboration and Innovation
The Calabar Entertainment Conference is more than just an event; it is a movement to empower Nigeria’s youth and unlock the potential of the creative economy. By bringing together diverse stakeholders—artists, entrepreneurs, investors, policymakers, and corporate partners—the conference creates a vibrant ecosystem where ideas can be shared, partnerships can be formed, and solutions can be developed.
The two-day event will feature a range of sessions designed to address the multifaceted challenges facing the creative sector. Keynote addresses will provide insights into global trends and best practices, while masterclasses will offer hands-on training in areas such as music production, film editing, and digital marketing. Panel discussions will tackle pressing issues such as intellectual property rights, funding models, and the role of technology in shaping the future of the creative economy.
Networking sessions will provide participants with the opportunity to connect with industry leaders, potential investors, and peers, fostering collaboration and partnerships that can drive long-term success. These sessions are particularly valuable for young creatives who may lack access to professional networks and resources.
The Economic Impact of Nigeria’s Creative Sector
Nigeria’s creative economy is a significant contributor to the country’s GDP, with sectors such as Nollywood and Afrobeats generating billions of dollars in revenue annually. According to a report by PwC, Nigeria’s entertainment and media industry is projected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 8.8% between 2021 and 2025, reaching a value of $14.8 billion by 2025. This growth is driven by increased internet penetration, the rise of digital platforms, and growing global demand for African content.
The creative sector also plays a critical role in job creation, particularly for Nigeria’s youth. With unemployment rates among young people remaining high, the creative economy offers a viable pathway to economic empowerment and self-reliance. By investing in platforms like CEC, FirstBank is contributing to the creation of sustainable livelihoods for young Nigerians.
Moreover, the creative sector has significant cultural and social impacts, serving as a platform for storytelling, cultural preservation, and social change. Nigerian music, films, and fashion have become powerful tools for promoting the country’s cultural heritage and influencing global perceptions of Africa.
Looking Ahead: The Future of CEC and Nigeria’s Creative Economy
As the 9th edition of the Calabar Entertainment Conference approaches, anticipation is building for what promises to be a transformative event. The partnership with FirstBank has elevated the conference’s profile, ensuring that it reaches a wider audience and delivers greater impact. By providing financial and institutional support, FirstBank is helping to create a platform where young creatives can thrive and contribute to Nigeria’s economic and cultural development.
Looking ahead, the Calabar Entertainment Conference aims to continue its mission of empowering Nigeria’s youth and fostering innovation in the creative sector. With the support of partners like FirstBank, the conference is well-positioned to address the evolving needs of the industry and create new opportunities for growth.
The creative economy is at a pivotal moment in Nigeria’s history, with the potential to drive significant economic and social change. By investing in platforms like CEC, stakeholders can unlock the full potential of this sector, creating a brighter future for Nigeria’s youth and the nation as a whole.
Conclusion
The partnership between First Bank of Nigeria Limited and the Calabar Entertainment Conference represents a powerful commitment to empowering Nigeria’s youth and fostering the growth of the creative economy. Through this collaboration, FirstBank is providing critical resources, knowledge, and networks to young talents and entrepreneurs, helping them navigate the challenges of the creative industry and seize its vast opportunities.
The 9th edition of CEC, set to take place on October 17 and 18 at Hogis Royale in Calabar, promises to be a landmark event, bringing together stakeholders from across the creative value chain to collaborate, innovate, and drive change. With keynote addresses, masterclasses, panel discussions, and networking sessions, the conference will equip participants with the tools they need to succeed in Nigeria’s fast-growing creative economy.
As Nigeria’s creative sector continues to gain global recognition, partnerships like the one between FirstBank and CEC are essential in unlocking its full potential. By empowering young creatives and fostering innovation, this collaboration is paving the way for a brighter, more prosperous future for Nigeria’s youth and the nation as a whole.
