Hit FM, the leading radio station in Cross River State and organisers of the Calabar Entertainment Conference (CEC), has announced First Bank of Nigeria Limited as the official bank partner for its flagship youth engagement programme in the creative sector.
CEC, now in its 9th year, has been held annually since 2017 and continues to provide a platform for young talents, industry leaders, investors, and policymakers to explore opportunities, tackle challenges, and chart sustainable pathways for Nigeria’s creative economy.
This year’s edition will take place on 17th and 18th October at Hogis Royale, Calabar, bringing together stakeholders from across the country.
According to Patrick Ugbe, CEO of Hit FM and Executive Producer of CEC, the creative sector “has not been in more urgent need of interventions that facilitate capacity building, funding, distribution, and thought leadership.”
FirstBank’s partnership underscores its long-standing commitment to youth empowerment, innovation, and entrepreneurship. “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 stated.
Olayinka Ijabiyi, Acting Group Head, Marketing and Corporate Communications at FirstBank, also highlighted the significance of the partnership. “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,” she said.
She added that through the bank’s First@Arts initiative, FirstBank is consolidating support for the creative arts while leveraging platforms like CEC to enable stakeholders to explore the vast opportunities in the sector.
The two-day event will feature keynote addresses, masterclasses, panel discussions, and networking sessions designed to inspire and equip participants to maximise opportunities in the creative industry.
