Pension firm unveils talent show to empower youths

The Stanbic IBTC Pension Managers has unveiled an initiative tagged: “FUZE2.0” to empower talented young Nigerians in their areas of endeavour.
Unveiling the reality show in Lagos, the Chief Executive Officer, Stanbic IBTC Pension Managers, Olumide Oyetan, said the FUZE initiative underscores the company’s dedication to nurturing creativity and innovation among young Nigerians who showcase their talents in music, dance, fashion, and technology.

He said that the winners of the show would go home with a share of N32m prize money.
He said: “Last year, we invited Nigerians between the ages of 18 and 35 to apply for the FUZE talent hunt, and after four exceptional stages of competing and judging, twelve winners went home with a slice of N32m prize money.

“This year, we have taken things a step further by infusing a two-week boot camp into the show to allow 28 finalists to hone their skills and compete for a slice of this year’s N32m prize money.

“With the help of our expert judges – Banke Kuku for fashion, RicHassani for music, BunmiOlunloyo for dance, and our very own Dr Stanley Jacob judging the tech category, we will be rewarding 12 finalists at the grand finale on December 23, 2023 at the LivespotEntertarium in Lagos Nigeria,” he said.

According to him, the FUZE Talent Show will be aired on television on November 11, 2023 and will run for six exciting weeks. “Viewers will be allowed to vote their preferred finalists in each category and winners will be unveiled at the FUZE Festival event on Saturday, December 23, 2023.

He said: “This year, we are coming back bigger and better with exciting acts that will be unveiled closer to the big day. We will also have our exciting marketplace where guests can shop for their favorite fashion and lifestyle pieces, amid lots of food and drinks. We invite Nigerians to register for FUZE 2.0 on the Stanbic IBTC Events App, available on Android and iOS platforms.”

Executive Director, the Business Development Directorate of Stanbic IBTC Pension Managers, Mrs. Nike Bajomo said: “The talent show is our own way of empowering the youth as part of our Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR).