First Bank of Nigeria Limited has once again demonstrated its commitment to empowering Nigeria’s creative and entertainment industry by sponsoring the Calabar Entertainment Conference, a leading platform that brings together stakeholders in film, music, fashion, and the broader cultural economy. The conference, held in Calabar, Cross River State, provided a platform for discussions on harnessing the power of the creative sector to drive economic growth, employment, and youth empowerment.
At the event, industry experts, entertainers, and investors deliberated on the opportunities and challenges within the creative space, particularly in relation to technology, financing, and capacity development. Themed around the potential of Nigeria’s booming creative industry, the conference highlighted the role of private sector support in scaling up initiatives that could transform the sector into a major contributor to the national economy.
FirstBank, through its sponsorship, reiterated its recognition of the creative industry as one of the fastest-growing sectors in Nigeria with the potential to create millions of jobs and diversify the economy beyond oil. Representing the bank, senior executives stressed that the entertainment and creative economy is central to FirstBank’s corporate social responsibility focus, especially in areas that touch on youth development and entrepreneurship.
The bank noted that its decision to back the Calabar Entertainment Conference is part of a broader agenda to encourage innovation and provide platforms for young Nigerians to showcase their talents. Over the years, FirstBank has supported similar initiatives in fashion, arts, and film festivals across the country, thereby building strong connections between finance and culture.
Speakers at the conference lauded FirstBank’s involvement, describing it as a testament to the importance of public-private collaboration in boosting the creative economy. According to panelists, access to finance, investment, and structured platforms for growth remain some of the key obstacles faced by young creatives. With institutions like FirstBank stepping in, stakeholders expressed optimism that more resources would be directed toward training, infrastructure, and international exposure for Nigerian talents.
The Calabar Entertainment Conference also provided opportunities for networking, capacity-building sessions, and mentorship. Young participants had direct access to established figures in film production, music business, and fashion design. Breakout sessions explored emerging trends in digital distribution, streaming, and the monetisation of creative content. Many speakers emphasised that with the right support, Nigeria could not only dominate the African entertainment market but also strengthen its global footprint.
FirstBank reaffirmed that beyond sponsorship, it is committed to creating tailored financial solutions for players in the creative industry. The bank’s representatives revealed that discussions are ongoing to design credit schemes and partnerships that can help small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in entertainment access affordable funding. They also stressed the bank’s role in financial inclusion, noting that empowering creative entrepreneurs directly contributes to economic growth and wealth creation.
Participants praised the Cross River State Government for hosting the event in Calabar, a city known for its rich cultural heritage and as home to one of Africa’s biggest street carnivals. The setting provided a perfect backdrop for the conversations, aligning with the state’s vision of positioning itself as a creative hub.
As Nigeria looks for ways to diversify its economy, the creative and entertainment industry has increasingly gained attention from policymakers and financial institutions. Recent reports suggest that the sector contributes over $4 billion annually to the economy, with projections of exponential growth if adequately supported. By backing the Calabar Entertainment Conference, FirstBank has positioned itself as a leading supporter of this growth trajectory.
The sponsorship also reflects FirstBank’s long-standing reputation for driving initiatives that align with national priorities. Over its 130-year history, the bank has played a pivotal role in supporting sectors that create jobs and foster sustainable development. Its consistent engagement with the creative space shows a recognition of the sector’s potential to lift millions of youths out of unemployment.
Industry experts concluded that collaborations such as the one between FirstBank and the Calabar Entertainment Conference are essential in shaping the future of the creative economy. They called for more institutions to follow the bank’s example, stressing that strategic investment in Nigeria’s creative talents could yield global recognition and economic prosperity.
The 2025 edition of the conference ended with renewed energy and commitment from stakeholders to deepen engagement and push for policies that will sustain growth in the creative sector. For FirstBank, the sponsorship not only reinforced its position as a financial leader but also as a partner in building an inclusive economy powered by innovation, creativity, and youth talent.
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