FirstBank Nigeria Limited is sponsoring the Lagos International Theatre Festival, which it calls the first of its kind in the state.
Speaking at a press briefing on Wednesday, Olusegun Alebiosu, the Managing Director of FirstBank, who was represented by Seyi Oyefeso, the Executive Director, Retail Banking South, said it is part of its First@Arts Initiative.
First@arts is FirstBank’s platform for consolidating all its efforts in the arts, supporting the entire value chain of the creative arts, providing much-needed financing and advisory services, showcasing and facilitating the successes of the industry, and enabling customers to explore the wealth of opportunities the creative industry has to offer.
Under the initiative, the bank recently sponsored the showing of Kurunmi, a stage play written by renowned author, Ola Rotimi.
The Managing Director said, “FirstBank is proud to be the lead sponsor of this groundbreaking event organised by Terra Kulture in partnership with Lagos State government. It is probably common knowledge by now that FirstBank had a very soft spot for the creative industry, which I believe is as old as man’s existence. This is why our bank, through its First@art initiative, consolidates support for and sponsorship of the entire value chain of the creative arts industry, providing the much-needed financing, promotion, and sponsorship program to facilitate the success of the industry.
“This has continued to enable our teeming customers and partners to explore the wealth of opportunities that this industry has to offer. As a corporate institution deeply entrenched and woven into the fabric of society, First Bank recognises the transformative power of the arts, including theatre, and its ability to inspire the citizenry, ultimately fostering national cohesion. It also provides a platform for self-expression, cultural exchange, and social commentary.
“For more than 130 years, First Bank has been committed to empowering Nigerians by promoting national development through our involvement in various initiatives. We are excited to be part of this journey, empowering creatives, enriching the cultural landscape of Lagos, fostering community engagement and entrenching social impact.”
Bolanle Austen-Peters, Founder of the LITF said the festival is one of those things that the organisation wants to bring to reality having developed many skills.
Austen-Peters said, “Over the years, we have developed so many skill sets and many production houses that have risen out of the work that we do out of Terra Kulture. We thought it might be a good idea to have all of them come together as a community to create a wider ecosystem for the arts to thrive.
“I’m sure most of us remember FESTAC ’77 and the impact it had, not just the social impact but the economic impact as well. What we are doing now is in that fashion. We are bringing troupes from across the globe. Today, we have with us Mr Stanley Richardson from America. He will be performing. We have from South Africa and Zambia, we have Mr Isaac Kalumba.
“This is one of those unique occasions that we as a people will bring Africans, Americans, from all over the world to converge in Lagos to celebrate the power of arts. Nothing unifies us more than the arts. It bridges gaps; it creates a common language, fun, and excitement. I’m glad that FirstBank saw it and keyed into it.
“The impact is immense; the economic impact of this is significant. There will be stalls for people selling artifacts and hotels being booked for those coming in; there are so many ancillary benefits for our economy from doing things like this. This is the beginning of a long journey and it will become bigger and bigger as we go along.”
Austen-Peters added that LITF is breaking the barriers of ignorance by showcasing cultures from across the globe.
Vanessa Jev, the Festival Director, disclosed that over 20 plays will be shown simultaneously in the four locations of the festival in Lagos.
The festival runs from the 14th of November to the 17th of November.
