Celebration of creativity, learning, community at the HIVE Festival

Emerging as a testament to the vibrancy and dynamism of Nigeria’s cultural landscape, one that brings everyone together regardless of ethnic diversity, the magnitude of crowd turn up and captivating sessions that ranged from wellness, music, fashion, culinary, shopping among other activities got observers of The Hive festival by Providus Bank marvel at the inaugural event.

The three-day event which ran between March 30 and April 1, 2024 at the Balmoral Convention Centre Victoria Island Lagos had attendees from all walks of life converged to experience a diverse array of activities, from shopping among unique vendors to indulging in culinary delights and immersing themselves in captivating entertainment.

The Hive day one commenced with a bang as attendees flocked to shop among unique vendors and indulge in a variety of culinary offerings. The Kids Village was a hub of non-stop fun with activities ranging from bouncy castles to face painting, ensuring that every child could participate and enjoy the festivities to the fullest.

Wellness expert Jade Phillips led a masterclass on relaxation techniques where she spoke about wellness, the importance of paying attention to mental health, expressing feelings and emotions, exercising, etc. According to her, everyone’s coping mechanisms to stress, big or small, are different. So it is important to respect each other’s stress level.

The Wellness expert who noted that stress is becoming a fatal challenge, especially in this region, said to deal with stress there is need to first identify stressors, then practice stress reduction techniques like yoga exercise, and breathe in – breath out, among others. “Ensure to prioritise self-care – your brains, mind and heart are all channelled together so do positive energy instead of negative, set boundaries and seek support.”

Day one also featured Chef Chi who demonstrated the art of cooking. Also, renowned fashion designer Ugo Monye shared his personal insights, and the night ended with electrifying performances by EDM DJs and DJ Obi.

Day Two saw a continuation of the excitement, with attendees enjoying more shopping, delicious food, and engaging activities at the Kids Village. Kitchen Muse’s Bukie Akinmade hosted a cooking masterclass, while beauty expert Banke Meshida showcased beauty tools and techniques.

The runway came alive with collections from Trax Apparel, Henri Uduku, and Mak Afrika. The day concluded with a Fireside chat on digital commerce and a high-energy performance by DJ Dope Caesar and Teni.

On day three, the grand finale reached its peak with a fashion masterclass by Kolapo Olabintan, cooking demonstrations by Chef Yeide Kuti and Chef Chi, and hair styling tips by Kotty Signature kept attendees entertained and informed.

The runway which featured stunning collections from Titi Belo, Jon Pelumi, Cladini, and Ohlanna was graced by the presence of Providus Bank staff members, showing their support for the talented fashion designers and adding an extra touch of elegance to the event.

The finale also featured a fireside chat on leadership and management with esteemed guests Toju Foyeh, Tosin
Ogundadegbe, Dimma Umeh, Steve Harris, and Head, Export Business from Providus Bank Abiodun Ariyo.

The event ended with a captivating performance by DJ Consequence and Tiwa Savage.