FirstBank, Eko Hotels collaborate to bring broadway-style musical “The Jewel” to Life This Easter
By Felicia Nwosu
In a celebration of love, art, culture, and theatrical brilliance, two iconic institutions, FirstBank and Eko Hotels & Suites, have joined forces to bring to the stage “The Jewel,” a futuristic Broadway-style musical set to dazzle audiences on April 18 and 19 at the Eko Convention Centre.
This highly anticipated Easter edition is more than a show; it is a journey by two legacy brands who unite to power a futuristic broadway-style into Nigeria’s cultural richness and creative future.
FirstBank, with its longstanding tradition of supporting the arts, continues to play a vital role in advancing Nigeria’s creative economy.
Known for its over-a-century-long legacy of resilience and relevance, the bank has remained committed to supporting the community through initiatives beyond its core banking operations.This is because supporting theatre arts, sports, and other forms of events have become embedded in the bank’s DNA,
Eko Hotels & Suites, equally recognized as more than just a hotel, has long embraced arts and culture, hosting theatre performances for nearly a decade, particularly during the festive Christmas season and its signature Tropical Christmas Wonderland.
At the media briefing, producer and theatre director Iyadunni Gbadebo shared deeper insights into the essence of “The Jewel.” She described the production as an emotional rollercoaster, a futuristic love story inspired by Wole Soyinka’s “The Lion and the Jewel” and Ola Rotimi’s “Our Husband Has Gone Mad Again.”
“It’s a Broadway-style musical theatre show. Our creative license takes these iconic plays and reimagines them with a futuristic twist. The message is powerful, it reflects society, it holds a mirror to us, and at the same time, it celebrates the richness of African literature. The future setting of the play adds another layer of depth. You’ll see familiar themes in an entirely new light, from the costumes to the sound, screenplay, and lighting, everything is crafted to leave a lasting impression.”
Gbadebo also stressed the importance of reclaiming African narratives. “Today, many young people are disconnected from African literature. Initiatives like this help us bring our stories to the global stage in a way that resonates with today’s audience. We want the world to see and appreciate who we are and the incredible creativity we offer.”
The producer and theater director also noted that, “When solid brands come together, you should expect magic. And that’s exactly what’s happening.”
Danny Kioupouroglou, the general manager of Eko Hotels, emphasised the synergy between the two brands: “You cannot have a bank that has survived over a century and continues to grow without staying true to its values. The same stands for Eko Hotels.
According to Danny, partnering with FirstBank deepens the impact of the initiative because Eko Hotels is already known for supporting art. He also highlighted that the Detty December cultural wave in Lagos had early backing from FirstBank, which was among the first to support musical events during the festive season. “We’re here to support growth and development within our society, using our platforms to promote art, culture, and community,” he added.
Danny also pointed out the symbolic timing of the show during Easter. “The Jewel is a love story. Easter is about love, especially God’s love for mankind. What better time to share a story of love than during Easter?”
With showtimes set for 3:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m. on both days, “The Jewel” promises an unforgettable experience that lingers long after the curtain falls. It is more than a play, it is a cultural statement, a celebration of collaboration, and a testament to what happens when two powerhouse brands come together to deliver magic.
Speaking for FirstBank,Olayinka Ijabiyi -Group Head, Marketing and Corporate Communications First Bank of Nigeria, said the partnership is aligned with the bank’s purpose-driven approach to supporting the creative sector.
He noted that it is beyond sponsorship, but about supporting a thriving ecosystem of creators, performers, technicians, and storytellers.
He also pointed out that the creative arts have always been an integral part of their support because First Bank believes in giving platforms for expression, for economic empowerment, and for narratives that reflect Nigerians are as a people.
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