Hit 95.9 FM, Cross River State’s leading radio station, has secured First Bank of Nigeria Limited as the official banking partner for the 9th edition of the Calabar Entertainment Conference (CEC), set to hold October 17-18, 2024.
The partnership announcement comes as the creative industry continues to seek strategic support for young talents across Nigeria’s entertainment landscape.
Patrick Ugbe, CEO of Hit FM and executive producer of CEC, emphasised the critical timing of this collaboration, noting that the creative sector “has not been in more urgent need of interventions that facilitate capacity building, funding, distribution, and thought leadership.”
Since its launch in 2017, CEC has established itself as a premier platform for youth engagement in Nigeria’s creative economy. This year’s edition will take place at Hogis Royale in Calabar, bringing together emerging talents, industry veterans, investors, and policymakers for two days of intensive programming.
The event promises to address key challenges facing young creatives while exploring sustainable growth opportunities within Nigeria’s dynamic entertainment sector. Participants can expect keynote addresses, masterclasses, panel discussions, and networking sessions specifically designed to maximise industry opportunities.
FirstBank‘s involvement reflects the financial institution’s broader commitment to youth empowerment and entrepreneurship across various sectors. The bank’s support extends beyond mere sponsorship, positioning it as a strategic partner in creative sector development.
“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,” Ugbe explained. “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.”
Olayinka Ijabiyi, Acting Group Head of Marketing and Corporate Communications at FirstBank, highlighted the alignment between the partnership and the bank’s strategic objectives.
“At FirstBank, we are passionate about supporting platforms that empower young people and nurture talent,” Ijabiyi stated. “Our partnership with the Calabar Entertainment Conference aligns with our drive to promote innovation, creativity, and entrepreneurship as key drivers of Nigeria’s future.”
The banking giant’s involvement comes through its First@Arts initiative, a dedicated program designed to consolidate support for Nigeria’s creative arts sector. Through platforms like CEC, FirstBank aims to help stakeholders explore the vast opportunities available within the creative industry.
The conference has evolved significantly since its inception eight years ago. Last year’s edition expanded into a comprehensive activity week, incorporating elements beyond traditional conference programming to include food, drinks, games, and music festival components.
This expansion reflects CEC’s growing influence as more than just a conference—it has become a cultural phenomenon that attracts participants from across Nigeria and beyond. The event serves as a critical bridge between creative talent and the resources needed to transform artistic vision into commercially viable ventures.
For Cross River State, CEC represents a significant cultural and economic event that positions Calabar as a hub for creative industry development. The conference has consistently drawn national attention to the state’s growing entertainment sector while providing local talents with access to industry networks typically concentrated in Lagos and Abuja.
The timing of this year’s conference is particularly significant as Nigeria’s creative industry continues to gain international recognition. With Nollywood, Afrobeats, and other Nigerian creative exports achieving global success, events like CEC play crucial roles in nurturing the next generation of creative entrepreneurs.
Industry observers note that partnerships between financial institutions and creative platforms are becoming increasingly common as banks recognise the economic potential of Nigeria’s entertainment sector. FirstBank’s involvement with CEC could signal broader institutional interest in supporting creative economy development.
Registration details for the October conference are expected to be announced soon, with organisers anticipating strong interest from young creatives across Nigeria and West Africa.
The Calabar Entertainment Conference continues to build on its reputation as a launching pad for creative careers while addressing systemic challenges that limit growth in Nigeria’s entertainment industry. With FirstBank’s support, this year’s edition promises to deliver enhanced value to participants while strengthening the platform’s role in shaping Nigeria’s creative future.
