FirstBank of Nigeria Ltd has reaffirmed its commitment to sustaining Nigeria’s cultural heritage through its sponsorship of the 2025 Oke-Odan Cultural Festival in Oke-Odan, a community in Yewa South Local Government Area of Ogun State. The bank said its support aligns with its long-standing First@Arts initiative, which promotes African culture, and its #DecemberIssaVybe campaign that celebrates culture, tourism, and lifestyle every festive season.
The 2025 edition of the festival, themed “Leveraging Cultural Integration for Economic Prosperity,” focused on how cultural preservation can drive local development. The lender noted that this year’s sponsorship placed strong emphasis on youth engagement and economic empowerment. During the festival, indigenes witnessed award presentations and the commissioning of community projects aimed at boosting development within Oke-Odan.
According to reports, the festival played a significant role in strengthening community unity. It also created an opportunity for Oke-Odan indigenes in the diaspora to reconnect with their roots and engage with relatives and community leaders at home.
Speaking at the event, the Oloke-Odan of Oke-Odan, Oba Oluwarotimi Fagbenro, expressed appreciation to FirstBank and other supporters who contributed to the success of the festival. The monarch said the growing recognition of the community’s cultural identity showed the importance of preserving heritage for future generations.
“Our rich cultural heritage in general language is hereby being celebrated more than ever before,” Oba Fagbenro said.
He added that the festival has evolved into a celebration of heritage, wellness, education, and development. While the event began as Oke-Odan Day in 2022, the monarch explained that it has since expanded because of its wider relevance and the increasing involvement of the entire community.
Oba Fagbenro also appealed to the Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, to construct the Oke-Odan bypass road connecting the community to the Owode–Idiroko corridor. He said the community has consistently called on the government to intervene, as the road project remains critical to improving mobility and enhancing economic activities.
FirstBank’s involvement in the festival reflects its broader commitment to cultural promotion, community development, and the celebration of Nigeria’s diverse heritage. The bank said it will continue to support platforms that empower communities, promote unity, and showcase the country’s cultural richness.
