Hit FM, organizers of the Calabar Entertainment Conference (CEC), has announced First Bank of Nigeria Limited as the Official Bank Partner for the 2025 edition of its flagship youth engagement program in the creative sector.
The Calabar Entertainment Conference, now in its ninth year, will be held on October 17–18, 2025 at Hogis Royale in Calabar, Cross River State.
The two-day event will bring together young talents, industry leaders, investors, and policymakers to explore opportunities, tackle challenges, and chart pathways for sustainable growth within Nigeria’s creative economy.
Speaking on the partnership, Patrick Ugbe, Executive Producer of CEC and CEO of Hit FM, said the creative sector has never been in greater need of interventions that promote capacity building, funding, distribution, and thought leadership.
He noted that FirstBank’s involvement demonstrates its role as a catalyst for growth, providing financial inclusion and fostering creativity among young Nigerians.
Olayinka Ijabiyi, Acting Group Head, Marketing and Corporate Communications at FirstBank, said the bank remains committed to 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 stated.
FirstBank’s support builds on its First@Arts initiative, which consolidates the bank’s contribution to the creative industry by creating opportunities for stakeholders to access resources, knowledge and networks.
The 2025 CEC will feature keynote addresses, masterclasses, panel discussions, and networking sessions aimed at equipping participants with tools to maximize opportunities within Nigeria’s fast-growing creative sector.
