BY NGOZI ONYEAKUSI

FirstBank

FirstBank of Nigeria has entered into  a strategic partnership with the Lagos International Theatre Festival (LITF), a prestigious event that stands as a beacon for the performing arts in West Africa.

The collaboration according to the lender represents a strategic alliance that aims to elevate the profiles of emerging artists and encourage cultural exchange within and beyond Nigeria.

Through its partnership, FirstBank seeks to amplify the festival’s outreach scheduled to be held between November 14 and 17, providing artists with more opportunities to develop and display their craft.

Speaking at a press conference in view of the event in Lagos, the Executive Director, Retail Banking, FirstBank, Mr Oluseyi Oyefeso stated that FirstBank partnership with the Lagos International Theatre Festival was accordance with its vision of promoting growth of the creative industry and empowering of the youths.

“Our investment in the Lagos International Theatre Festival aligns with our vision to foster the creative industry and empower young talents to pursue their artistic passions.

“This is a vital step toward sustaining the rich tapestry of Nigeria’s culture and contributing to the global narrative of African art.”

He noted that the partnership also reflects FirstBank’s understanding of the arts as an economic driver.

“The creative industry, which includes film, music, literature, and live performances, contributes significantly to Nigeria’s economy. By investing in events like the Lagos International Theatre Festival, the bank not only fosters cultural wealth but also supports job creation and the broader arts ecosystem, which includes stage designers, sound engineers, and marketers,” he added.

Also speaking at the event, Bolanle Austen-Peters, the founder of LITF, said the festival will be held annually to spotlight live theatre and Nigerian stage plays.

“After several world-class plays that we have promoted locally and internationally and after training more than 26,000 youngsters through the Terra Academy for the Arts, we are delighted to be using LITF to draw attention to live theatre, determined to continue to lead the charge that stage plays are alive and well in Nigeria,” she said.

Austen-Peters, who is also the Founder of Terra Kulture, drew from her over 22-year industry expertise and commitment to nurturing Nigerian talent to create this groundbreaking festival.

“I didn’t want to do this festival,” she said, “but I recognised that as a front liner with Terra Kulture 22 years later, creating jobs, creating opportunities with an academy that has trained over 24,000 young people today, I had no choice but to do it.”

A Nollywood veteran, Jide Kosoko, appreciated FirstBank for its immense support over the years for the creative art industry in Nigeria, noting that the bank has always been there for the industry.

The veteran actor also appreciated Austen-Peters for coming up with the initiative, adding that the Lagos International Theatre Festival will further promote Nigeria’s art and culture to the world.

FirstBank’s involvement with LITF is part of its broader First@Arts initiative, which has supported cultural projects and creative entrepreneurs over the years.

The bank has long recognized the significance of arts and culture as vital pillars for national development and societal growth.

This year’s edition of the Lagos International Theatre Festival promises a lineup that features a blend of contemporary and traditional performances, with themes touching on identity, resilience, and innovation.