By Merit Ibe
First bank of Nigeria has disclosed its readiness to sponsor the Lagos International Theatre Festival as part of its commitment to boost Nigeria’s creative arts industry.
The festival which will run from Thursday November 14 to Sunday, November 17, 2024, will hold simultaneously in four locations- among which are Terra Kulture and Muson Centre, Lagos.
Commenting on the forthcoming event, Managing Director of FirstBank, Olusegun Alebiosu said the Bank’s involvement will amplify the event’s outreach and deepen its impact on Nigeria’s vibrant arts community.
Alebiosu, who was represented by the Executive Director, Retail Banking South, Oluseyi Oyefeso, said for 130 years First Bank has been empowering Nigeria and Nigerians at different facet including cultural and youth empowerment.
“Our commitment extends beyond sponsorship. We aim to expose talents in the creative industry and also engage the youths positively,” he said.
“Our investment in the Lagos International Theatre Festival reflects our dedication to nurturing talent and preserving the rich cultural heritage of Nigeria. This initiative supports the broader creative ecosystem, which is an essential driver of the economy.
“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.
On her part, 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.”
Also speaking at the event, 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.