In a continued show of support for Nigeria’s creative industry, FirstBank has proudly sponsored the Broadway-style musical theatre show titled “The Jewel”, produced by Eko Hotels and Suites.
The announcement was made at a press conference held at Eko Hotels on Wednesday. Representatives from both organizations shared insights into the collaboration and the significance of the production.
Speaking on behalf of FirstBank, Olayinka Ijabiyi, Acting Group Head of Marketing & Corporate Communications, said the sponsorship is part of the bank’s long-standing commitment to empowering the arts.
“From music to entertainment, theatre, stage performances, to poem performances and everything in between, FirstBank has always supported,” Ijabiyi said.
Chinwe Bode-Akinwande, Head of Sponsorships, Partnerships, Events & Collaborations at FirstBank, emphasized the bank’s commitment to empowering the entire value chain of the creative industry.
“It means a whole lot of people, even those in the backstage that you do not see, have something to do and have reasons to wake up every day to continue to pursue their passion,” she noted.
Danny Kioupouroglou, General Manager of Eko Hotels, expressed gratitude for FirstBank’s support, stressing that the partnership was rooted in shared values for nurturing talent and providing first-class entertainment.
“They are not here to support the hotel as a business. They are here to support the theatre performance, the musicians, and the technicians,” he said.
Dr Iyadunni Gbadebo, Director of Sales and Marketing at Eko Hotels and Suites, described The Jewel as a Broadway-style musical inspired by two legendary Nigerian playwrights — Wole Soyinka’s “The Lion and the Jewel” and Ola Rotimi’s “Our Husbands Have Gone Mad Again”.
“It’s set in the future and blends tradition with innovation to revive the appreciation for African literature and theatre,” she explained.
The Jewel was staged on April 18 and 19 at the Eko Convention Centre, showcasing a rich mix of African storytelling, music, and cultural heritage, all made possible by the support of FirstBank
