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.

Hit FM, Cross River’s radio station and organiser of the festival, disclosed this in a statement on Tuesday.

According to the statement, the renewal underscores First Bank’s commitment to supporting Nigeria’s creative economy and platforms that promote innovation, entrepreneurship and sustainable economic growth.

The CECF, now in its 10th edition, brings together stakeholders in the creative and entertainment industries, including policymakers, business leaders, investors, artists, media professionals, content creators and young entrepreneurs.

The platform is designed to explore opportunities and challenges shaping the future of Africa’s creative sector.

The statement said First Bank would participate as a platinum sponsor of the two-day event through “First@Arts”, its initiative supporting Africa’s arts ecosystem.

It said the initiative provides funding, visibility and capacity-building support to artists, curators, galleries, festivals and cultural institutions.

According to the statement, First@Arts also seeks to preserve African heritage, promote creative enterprise and position the arts as a driver of economic growth and cultural diplomacy.

Patrick Ugbe, executive producer of CECF and chief executive officer of Hit FM, described First Bank’s continued 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,” Mr Ugbe said.

He said the organisers were pleased to continue the partnership with the bank, whose legacy spans more than 132 years.

Olayinka Ijabiyi, group head, marketing and corporate communications, First Bank, said the renewed partnership aligned with the bank’s strategic focus on supporting the creative economy.

He said the bank would continue to support the creative arts ecosystem through First@Arts.

The organisers said the two-day 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.

(NAN)