Quick Takes
FirstBank Supports Creative Industry
FirstBank of Nigeria Limited under the auspices of its First@arts initiative has thrown its weight behind the Nigeria Entertainment Conference 2017.
The event titled: “It’s Time for Africa” will convene operators from different sectors of the entertainment industry in Nigeria; Nollywood, music, and comedy to deliberate on the future of the Entertainment Industry in Nigeria. The conference is scheduled to hold on April 26, 2017 in Lagos.
The FirstBank First@arts initiative was launched in 2015 to promote entertainment as a veritable vehicle for cohesion amongst family and friends as well as support for the economic diversification drive. The entertainment industry has generated enough profitable content to attract investments in Nigeria.
The industry has increasingly become important as it creates employment, economic empowerment and is fast growing into a multibillion-dollar business, with potentials to be a leading contributor the Nigeria’s GDP in the near future.
“With this foresight, FirstBank has created partnerships to build this resourceful sector of the economy and the bank would lend its voice to the conversations at the conference in the panel session titled ‘Why the rest of the world needs African Entertainment,” it stated.
Some of the speakers at the conference would include Nigerian international singer Tiwa Savage, comedy trail blazers Ali Baba and Basket mouth, and award winning broadcaster and actor Patrick Doyle among several other renowned names in Nigeria’s entertainment industry. FirstBank through the First@arts initiative has positioned itself as the leading brand in the support of the creative industry in Nigeria.
Heritage Bank Supports BBNaija Finalists
Heritage Bank Plc, one of the sponsors of Big Brother Naija Season-2 reality TV show has rewarded the five top finalists with financial investment support to enhance their entrepreneur drives.
Efe, Bisola, TBoss, Debbie Rise and Marvis who were the top five met with the management of the bank recently, when the Managing Director of Heritage Bank Plc, Mr. Ifie Sekibo took turns to advise each of the housemates on their aspirations on becoming budding entrepreneurs in creating, preserving and transferring wealth to Nigerians.
According to a statement from the bank, Sekibo, who disclosed the bank’s financial support to each of the five top finalists, said Heritage Bank was proud to be part of the reality show, as the involvement re-emphasised the wealth enshrined in Nigeria’s cultural heritage.
He stated that beyond Heritage Bank’s core banking activities, the financial institution has special interest in young talented Nigerians and as well recognises the value to sell Nigerian culture to the world.
Specifically, Sekibo affirmed also that the bank’s involvement was significantly centred on financially and socially emancipating them for the common good of the community.
According to him, the traditional wedding task arranged by Heritage Bank was well delivered to project the nation’s culture and heritage in good perspective.
SMEs to Participate in GTBank Food Fair
More than 100 small businesses in Nigeria’s Food Industry would be provided with free storefronts at the GTBank Food and Drink, which holds on Sunday the 30th of April and Monday the 1st of May, 2017.
Organised by Guaranty Trust Bank Plc, the 2-day event offers small businesses in the Nigerian food industry free and vibrant platform to connect with a wider segment of their target markets as well as experts in their business fields.
The 2016 edition of the GTBank Food and Drink Fair had over 90 exhibitors from the food sector and attracted more than 25,000 guests. A statement from the bank explained that the 2017 edition would expand on the favourite features of the previous event, such as MasterClasses led by internationally renowned chefs and Sales Exhibitions by small businesses.
It will also provide new and exciting features such as a Farmers’ Market, where SMEs involved in agriculture will showcase and sell fresh and organic farm products, and a Baking Masterclass for children kids.