The FirstBank Calabar Entertainment Conference partnership has been renewed, keeping FirstBank as the festival’s Official Banking Partner for another year. Hit FM, organisers of CECF, announced the renewal as the conference prepares for its landmark tenth edition in Calabar.
The partnership reinforces FirstBank’s commitment to Nigeria’s creative economy and platforms supporting innovation, entrepreneurship, investment, and sustainable economic growth. Now in its tenth edition, CECF connects policymakers, investors, artists, media professionals, creators, and young entrepreneurs across Africa’s creative sector.
Patrick Ugbe, Hit FM CEO and CECF executive producer, described FirstBank’s return as a strong endorsement of the festival’s vision. He said both organisations share a belief that creativity can drive economic development, job creation, youth empowerment, and national growth.
FirstBank will participate as a Platinum Sponsor through First@Arts, its flagship initiative supporting Africa’s arts and creative ecosystem. Through First@Arts, the bank provides funding, visibility, and capacity-building support for artists, curators, galleries, festivals, and cultural institutions.
The initiative also promotes African heritage while positioning creative enterprise as an important driver of economic growth and cultural diplomacy. Olayinka Ijabiyi, FirstBank’s Group Head for Marketing and Corporate Communications, reaffirmed the bank’s commitment to enabling success. He said the renewed partnership supports platforms that inspire innovation, encourage entrepreneurship, and unlock opportunities for sustainable growth.
The two-day CECF will feature keynote addresses, masterclasses, panel discussions, and networking sessions focused on strengthening creative industry collaboration. The FirstBank Calabar Entertainment Conference partnership strengthens Cross River State’s position as a destination for cultural tourism and entertainment business.
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