In a significant move to elevate Nigeria's premier cultural festival, FirstBank of Nigeria has completed the construction of a state-of-the-art 500-seater premium viewing facility for the 2025 Carnival Calabar & Festival. This initiative underscores the bank's deep-rooted commitment to supporting arts and culture as part of its corporate social responsibility.
A Premium Viewing Experience for Spectators
The newly constructed premium bleacher is specifically designed to offer attendees an organised, secure, and comfortable viewing area during the vibrant carnival procession. FirstBank confirmed that this facility is a central part of its sponsorship package for the yearly event, aiming to provide an unforgettable and elevated experience for spectators. The bank highlighted that the focus is on safety, comfort, and superior visibility, ensuring that guests can enjoy the colourful displays and performances in a premium setting.
Aligning with a Legacy of Cultural Support
Speaking on this development, the Acting Group Head of Marketing and Corporate Communications at FirstBank, Olayinka Ijabiyi, elaborated on the bank's motivations. He stated that the Carnival Calabar aligns perfectly with FirstBank's arts and cultural support initiative, known as First@Arts. This platform is dedicated to bolstering the creative arts value chain across Nigeria.
"Our investment in the Carnival Calabar & Festival demonstrates our commitment to preserving the nation’s rich cultural heritage," Ijabiyi said. He emphasised that for over 131 years, the bank has consistently supported platforms that encourage self-expression, social reflection, and cultural exchange. "We recognise the transformative power of the arts, including carnivals, in inspiring people and strengthening national unity," he added.
Ijabiyi further explained, "As part of our sponsorship this year, we are introducing the first-ever private 500-seater premium bleacher to further elevate the carnival experience. This exclusive seating is designed to provide exceptional comfort and an unforgettable viewing experience for attendees."
Strengthening Private Sector Partnership in Tourism
The Chairman of the Cross River State Carnival Calabar Commission, Gabe Onah, warmly welcomed FirstBank's substantial involvement. He described the bank's sponsorship as a powerful testament to the vital role the private sector can play in promoting culture and tourism in Nigeria.
Onah noted that this partnership does more than just improve the immediate logistics of the event; it significantly enhances the overall quality and global appeal of the Carnival Calabar. Such collaborations, he suggested, are crucial for positioning the festival as a world-class tourist attraction and for driving economic growth in the region through cultural tourism.
This strategic move by FirstBank for the 2025 edition of the carnival sets a new benchmark for corporate sponsorship of cultural events in Nigeria, blending commercial support with genuine cultural preservation and community engagement.
