First Bank partners LITF to promote art and culture
By Abimbola Mohammed
In a significant move to boost Nigeria’s art and culture scene, First Bank Nigeria has announced its sponsorship of the Lagos International Theatre Festival (LITF), highlighting its dedication to fostering creative excellence.
The event, themed “Touching on Identity, Resilience, and Innovation”, was unveiled at the Director’s Lodge, Bank Road, Ikoyi, Lagos.
The maiden edition of LITF will feature contemporary and traditional performances at four different locations from November 14th -17th. The acts will be showcased at Terra Kulture, Muson Centre, Lagos, among other venues, and will feature over 20 plays.
Managing Director of FirstBank, Olusegun Alebiosu, who was represented by the Executive Director, Retail Banking South, Seyi Oyefeso, while speaking on why First Bank supports the laudable initiative, said, “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.”
Alebiosu added, “For 130 years, First Bank has been empowering Nigeria and Nigerians in different facets, including cultural and youth empowerment. Our commitment extends beyond sponsorship. We aim to expose talents in the creative industry and engage youths positively.
“Our investment in the Lagos International Theatre Festival reflects our dedication to nurturing talent and preserving Nigeria’s rich cultural heritage. This initiative supports the broader creative ecosystem, an essential driver of the economy.”
He further noted, “The creative industry, including film, music, literature, and live performances, contributes significantly to Nigeria’s economy. By investing in events like the Lagos International Theatre Festival, the bank fosters cultural wealth and supports job creation and the broader arts ecosystem, including stage designers, sound engineers, and marketers.”
Bolanle Austen-Peters, Founder LITF/Terra Kulture, noted that the festival plays a pivotal role in revitalising Nigerian stage productions.
“Over the years, we have developed many skill sets and production houses that have risen out of the work we do at Terra Kulture. We thought it wise to bring them together as a community to create a wider ecosystem for the arts to thrive.
“With over 22 years in the industry and initiatives like Terra Academy for the Arts, which has trained over 26,000 young people, we are using LITF to showcase that stage plays remain a vibrant part of Nigeria’s creative landscape. This is one of those unique occasions that brings Africans, Americans, and people 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, creates a common language, fun, and excitement.”
Veteran Nollywood actor Jide Kosoko appreciated LITF for reviving stage plays and expressed gratitude for FirstBank’s continued support of the arts, commending its contributions to sustaining the industry.
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