First Bank of Nigeria Limited has been unveiled as the official banking partner for the 2025 edition of the Calabar Entertainment Conference (CEC), an annual gathering of stakeholders in Nigeria’s creative economy. The conference is organised by Hit FM, a leading radio station in Cross River State.
The announcement was made in a statement by the bank on Wednesday, confirming its support for the event which has been held every year since 2017. Now in its ninth year, the conference has grown into one of the most important platforms for knowledge sharing, networking, and investment in Nigeria’s creative sector.
Scheduled to take place in October in Calabar, Cross River State, this year’s edition will attract young talents, investors, policymakers, and entertainment industry leaders to deliberate on strategies to boost growth and sustainability in the creative economy.
The Executive Producer and Chief Executive Officer of Hit FM, Mr. Patrick Ugbe, stressed the importance of the event at a time when the creative sector is in urgent need of fresh interventions.
According to him, the industry requires capacity building, funding, wider distribution networks, and thought leadership to meet its full potential. He noted that First Bank’s decision to become the official banking partner demonstrates recognition of the sector’s role in national 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. We are thrilled to welcome FirstBank as the Official Bank of the Calabar Entertainment Conference,” Ugbe said.
He added that the support would give young creatives access to finance, knowledge, and professional networks that could transform their ideas into sustainable businesses.
Also commenting, Acting Group Head of Marketing and Corporate Communications at First Bank, Mr. Olayinka Ijabiyi, said the bank was committed to backing initiatives that empower youths and nurture innovation.
“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,” he said.
He explained that the partnership falls under the bank’s First@Arts initiative, which consolidates its long-standing support for the creative industry. Through this programme, First Bank has been investing in platforms that promote arts, culture, and entertainment as important drivers of economic growth.
The two-day conference will feature keynote speeches from leading figures in the creative sector, panel sessions with industry experts, masterclasses for young talents, and networking opportunities to connect entrepreneurs with potential investors.
Organisers said this year’s theme will focus on innovation and sustainability in the Nigerian creative industry, with discussions expected to cover financing, digital distribution, intellectual property protection, and the global competitiveness of African creative products.
Observers note that Nigeria’s creative economy, driven by music, film, fashion, and digital arts, has continued to attract global recognition. However, challenges such as limited funding, piracy, and lack of structured platforms for distribution still affect growth. Platforms like the Calabar Entertainment Conference are seen as crucial to bridging these gaps by connecting stakeholders and creating opportunities for young entrepreneurs.
First Bank’s involvement is also seen as an extension of its long-standing tradition of supporting economic empowerment initiatives. With over 130 years of existence, the bank has consistently invested in sectors that foster development, including arts, culture, and education.
Analysts believe the partnership could encourage other financial institutions to deepen investments in the creative sector, which has been identified by government and international agencies as one of Nigeria’s most promising non-oil revenue drivers.
The 2025 Calabar Entertainment Conference is expected to further cement its reputation as a leading hub for creative dialogue in Nigeria, with organisers projecting record participation from across the country and beyond.
