FirstBank, Freedom Park partner to boost creative industry

First Bank of Nigeria Limited said its commitment to the promotion of the creative arts through its initiative First@arts.

The bank developed the initiative through a strategic partnership with Lork Enterprise LLP, managers of Freedom Park, British Council, and Ebony Life Television.

Speaking at a press conference in Lagos last weekend, FirstBank’s Group Head, Marketing and Corporate Communications, Mrs. Folake Ani-Mumuney, explained that the First@arts initiative was driven by the quest to promote entertainment as a veritable vehicle for cohesion amongst family and friends, and it demonstrates the bank’s dynamism as a provider of bespoke services that meet the needs of its strong global-wide customer base.

The initiative, according to her, would provide a bigger platform to drive several arts and theatrical performances, television programmes whilst exploring several new, relevant and engaging avenues to create entertainment and value for its teeming audience across the globe.

Ani-Mumuney, who was represented by the Head, Sponsorship and Events of the bank, Mrs Bridget Oyefeso-Odusami at the occasion, explained that the Bank’s partnership with Lork Enterprise LLP, managers of Freedom Park, British Council, and Ebony Life Television was based on their rich pedigree to deliver credible performances as well as drive arts and culture over several years.

Freedom Park and British Council Nigeria have become rallying points for arts and theatre performances in Lagos and Nigeria and have captured the attention of the local and international community, arts loving Nigerians locally and in the diaspora.

Just recently, Freedom Park received a certificate of excellence from Trip Advisor, a leading search site in the hospitality industry. “Over the years, FirstBank has influenced the history and growth of the country through the sponsorship of several arts initiatives across diverse cultures. “The Bank has continually supported the annual Calabar Festival over many years, Enugu Carnival, Thespian theatre and even the scintillating drama and dance group, Umoja, from South Africa among several others.”

She noted that FirstBank was particularly interested in Arts and Culture and has established First@arts initiative as a platform dedicated to promoting arts and culture events.

She added that the Bank has supported several theatrical performances, dance and drama events as well as carnivals under this platform and would through the new partnerships drive further engagements for its esteemed customers, promote creativity and enterprise. “With the First@arts initiative, FirstBank is set to solidify its position as the leading brand in the creative arts space, whilst growing sustainable value chain in the tourism industry and the economy in the long run.”

The Chief Executive Officer of Lork Enterprise LLP, Theo Lawson explained that Freedom Park was designed to create a platform for dialogue between the arts and the community.

According to him, “the partnership with FirstBank will totally change our capacity to engage and promote the bountiful latent talent we regularly come across as well as provide a rich menu of entertainment and experience for our visitors”.