FirstBank Champions Nigerian Arts with Sponsorship of ‘The Jewel’ Musical Theatre
FirstBank has once again shown its unwavering support for the Nigerian creative sector by sponsoring a new musical theatre performance titled The Jewel, held at the prestigious Eko Hotels and Suites. The event, inspired by the works of legendary Nigerian playwrights Wole Soyinka and Ola Rotimi, was held on April 18th and 19th at the Eko Convention Centre.
At a press conference held at Eko Hotels to announce the production, FirstBank emphasized that this sponsorship aligns with its ongoing commitment to the growth of the Nigerian arts and entertainment industry.
A History of Supporting Creative Talent
Speaking at the event, Olayinka Ijabiyi, the Acting Group Head, Marketing & Corporate Communications at FirstBank, highlighted the bank’s longstanding involvement in the creative space. “From music to theatre, stage performances, poem performances and more, FirstBank has always been a supporter,” Ijabiyi stated.
In recent months, the bank has sponsored other creative projects, including the historical play Kurunmi at the Lagos International Theatre Festival. It has also launched Bluu TV, an entertainment channel aimed at showcasing local talent and providing a platform for creative expression.
Empowering Artists Beyond the Stage
Chinwe Bode-Akinwande, Head of Sponsorships, Partnerships, Events & Collaborations at FirstBank, emphasized the bank’s broader vision for its role in the arts. “We see the creative industry as a value chain. FirstBank’s support doesn’t stop at sponsorship; it goes further to meet the financial and developmental needs of people in the industry,” she explained.
She stressed that artists, technicians, and backstage crew also benefit from these initiatives. “They may want to book facilities, get financial education or learn new skills. Our support helps them turn their passion into livelihoods,” she added.
“FirstBank’s support for the arts goes beyond the stage—it reaches the hearts and homes of creatives, empowering them to thrive, tell our stories, and preserve Africa’s cultural legacy for future generations.” — Chinwe Bode-Akinwande, Head of Sponsorships, Partnerships, Events & Collaborations, FirstBank.
Eko Hotels Partners in Promoting Nigerian Theatre
Danny Kioupouroglou, General Manager of Eko Hotels, noted that the hotel’s collaboration with FirstBank is rooted in a shared interest in promoting first-class entertainment. “They are here to support the arts, not the hotel business. They want to grow the theatre space and help create a robust, sustainable ecosystem around it,” he said.
About The Jewel – A Blend of Tradition and Innovation
Dr. Iyadunni Gbadebo, Director of Sales and Marketing at Eko Hotels and Suites, gave insight into the inspiration behind the Broadway-style production. “The Jewel is inspired by Wole Soyinka’s The Lion and the Jewel and Ola Rotimi’s Our Husbands Have Gone Mad Again. It brings together rich African storytelling with modern stage techniques,” she said.
She emphasized that the play not only entertains but also aims to preserve African literature and culture. “Our children are learning more about foreign cultures than their own. Through performances like this, we aim to reintroduce the richness of African theatre to new generations and to global audiences.”
FirstBank’s sponsorship of The Jewel is more than a financial gesture; it is a powerful investment in the future of African culture, literature, and entertainment. By partnering with Eko Hotels and promoting local talent, the bank is helping to revive interest in African storytelling while creating economic opportunities across the arts value chain.
Initiatives like this prove that when the corporate sector supports the creative industry, it not only enriches the cultural landscape but also contributes to national development. With more institutions joining in, Nigeria’s creative economy is set to grow stronger and more impactful.
