Stanbic IBTC Holdings, a key member of the Standard Bank Group, has once again demonstrated its strong support for Nigeria's creative sector by awarding a massive N90 million in prizes at the grand finale of its FUZE Talent Show 4.0. The event, held recently, served as a powerful celebration of the innovation and artistic skill possessed by the country's promising young generation.
A Record-Breaking Celebration of Creativity
The 2025 edition of the talent hunt, dubbed 'The Ultimate Show', witnessed an overwhelming response with over 6,000 entries submitted from across Nigeria. The competition spanned several creative fields, including fashion, technology, dance, and music, inspiring a fresh wave of innovation among participants. After a rigorous process involving weeks of intense contests, mentorship sessions, and spectacular performances, the field was narrowed down to 12 exceptional finalists.
Meet the Category Champions
From this talented dozen, four outstanding individuals emerged victorious in their respective categories. Each category winner was rewarded with a life-changing ₦10 million cash prize, alongside invaluable mentorship, industry exposure, and further support to propel their creative careers forward.
The 2025 FUZE 4.0 champions are:
- Oyindamola Timothy - Winner, Fashion category
- Steve Adeyemo - Winner, Tech category
- Uche Kalu - Winner, Dance category
- Emmanuel Elijah - Winner, Music category
Leadership Hails Nigeria's Extraordinary Potential
Speaking at the event, Chuma Nwokocha, Chief Executive of Stanbic IBTC Holdings, expressed immense pride in the success of this year's programme. He reaffirmed the financial institution's deep-seated commitment to fostering the dreams of young Nigerians.
"FUZE 4.0 truly lived up to its promise as 'The Ultimate Show', a platform that celebrates courage, creativity, and innovation," Nwokocha stated. "Every contestant who graced the stage reminded us of the extraordinary potential of Nigerian youths. At Stanbic IBTC, we are proud to continue creating opportunities that help young people dream bigger, think bolder, and achieve more. It is all about home-grown talent for us as we power the 'made-in-Nigeria' initiative."
Looking Ahead: The FUZE Festival
Adding to the excitement, Stanbic IBTC also announced the upcoming FUZE Festival, scheduled for Saturday, 20 December 2025. The festival will continue the celebration under the same theme of "The Ultimate Show," promising more platforms for engagement and entertainment within the vibrant creative ecosystem.
This landmark investment of N90 million, the largest prize pool in the event's history, underscores Stanbic IBTC's strategic role in not just identifying but also materially nurturing the talents that can drive Nigeria's creative economy forward.
