As part of its flagship First@Arts Initiative, First Bank of Nigeria has announced its sponsorship of the Lagos International Theatre Festival (LITF), reinforcing its commitment to fostering the growth of Nigeria’s vibrant creative arts sector. This collaboration underscores the First Bank’s dedication to nurturing local talent, preserving cultural heritage, and supporting the arts as a vital driver of economic and social development.
The festival, scheduled to take place from November 15th to 17th, 2024, will be hosted at four prestigious venues in Lagos: the National Theatre (Wole Soyinka Centre for Culture and Creative Arts), Terra Kulture, Muson Centre, and John Randle Centre. These iconic locations will set the stage for an eclectic mix of performances, showcasing the talents of artists from Nigeria, the United States, South Africa, and Zambia.
Speaking on the partnership, Oluseyi Oyefeso, Executive Director of Retail Banking at First Bank, highlighted the bank’s long-standing dedication to the creative industry. “Our sponsorship of the Lagos International Theatre Festival reflects our unwavering commitment to fostering local talent, preserving Nigeria’s cultural legacy, and empowering the broader creative ecosystem that contributes significantly to the economy,” he stated. Oyefeso also emphasized the unifying power of the arts in building communities and promoting national cohesion.
Bolanle Austen-Peters, founder of LITF and Terra Kulture, expressed her passion for advancing live theater in Nigeria. “Through Terra Kulture and LITF, we aim to celebrate the richness of Nigerian culture while giving local talent a platform to shine,” she said. Austen-Peters revealed that Terra Kulture’s Terra Academy for the Arts has trained over 26,000 young people, many of whom have gone on to make significant contributions to the arts. Reflecting on her 22-year journey in the creative sector, she remarked, “It is both an honor and a responsibility to champion a festival of this magnitude, ensuring that Nigerian stories and culture are shared with the world.”
The announcement event also featured veteran Nollywood actor Jide Kosoko, who praised First Bank for its pivotal role in supporting the creative industry. Kosoko lauded Austen-Peters’ visionary leadership in establishing LITF and noted the festival’s importance in showcasing Nigerian talent and culture on a global scale. “First Bank’s support is a testament to the vital role of corporate partnerships in driving the growth of our creative industries,” he added.
This year’s LITF promises an exciting array of performances, exploring themes of identity, resilience, and innovation. Combining contemporary and traditional artistic expressions, the festival seeks to celebrate the diversity and dynamism of Nigerian culture. Theatergoers can look forward to thought-provoking plays, dance, and music performances that highlight the ingenuity of local and international artists.
First Bank’s sponsorship of LITF forms a cornerstone of its First@Arts program, which has consistently championed cultural initiatives and supported creative entrepreneurs. By partnering with Terra Kulture and the Lagos State Government, First Bank is playing a crucial role in ensuring the success of this inaugural festival. The collaboration aims to provide artists with an international platform while also creating opportunities for emerging talent to thrive.
The Lagos International Theatre Festival is set to leave an indelible mark on Nigeria’s creative landscape, further solidifying the country’s position as a cultural powerhouse in Africa. First Bank’s continued support signals a bright future for the arts, emphasizing the role of creativity in shaping a resilient and inclusive economy.
