By Jeph Ajobaju, Chief Copy Editor
FirstBank has reinforced its commitment to youth empowerment and entrepreneurship through its sponsorship of “First Class Material’’, a docuseries on Linda Ikeji TV, as well as support for other various youthcentric schemes.
Nigeria’s most valuable bank brand of many firsts says the docuseries celebrates Nigerians excelling in various fields, academic or non-academic.
It chronicles the success stories of those who are distinct and exemplary in their achievements as a testament to the greatness of Nigeria, according to a document produced by FirstBank, published by Nairametrics.
Aims of First Class Material
First Class Material aims to make education, vocational training and skill acquisition trendy, attractive and fashionable to human capital by celebrating and rewarding innovators and trail blazers across social and economic sectors.
FirstBank says First Class Material celebrates notable firsts by Nigerians, which underscores what the bank stands for, and the programme seeks to have more people informed and encouraged by success and to emulate success in their endeavours.
First Class Material also aims to
· Change the narrative about Nigeria and Nigerians by highlighting the great work Nigerians are doing in different fields, including academics, technology, arts, music, entrepreneurship, and many more.
· Inspire others to aspire to excellence and to see hard work, legitimate work, and diligence as something rewarding and deserving of emulation.
FirstBank was the official sponsor of the maiden edition of First Class Material on Linda Ikeji TV and based on its success, the bank is now sponsoring Season 2 which commenced in the third week of August.
“This innovative partnership would have viewers exposed to Nigerians across the globe that have carved a niche for themselves by being exemplary and influential in their chosen endeavours and career path,” the bank said.
“Success stories of notable firsts and trail blazers would be highlighted, with viewers encouraged to go beyond limits and leave no stone unturned at making their dreams a reality.
“Like the first season, which showcased exceptional individuals, [Season 2] promises to share truly inspiring stories of great feats and accomplishments by some of the most unassuming Nigerians, in the country and dotted around the world.
“FirstBank’s goal is to inspire the youth and encourage them to make informed choices, critical to securing their future whilst impacting mankind and society at large.
“FirstBank, historically, has had diverse interventions in promoting thought leadership and promoting initiatives that will stimulate the advancement of skill acquisition and capacity building for the Nigerian youth to equip them for a bright future.
“The bank’s sponsorship of the programme is in tandem with the noble objectives of the bank which includes building and instilling values into its customers.
“FirstBank’s core values of people, passion and partnership very much align with the vision of the First Material towards building the youth to become tomorrow’s leaders.”
Support for other initiatives
With over 127 years of continuous banking operations, First Bank is giving a good account of itself in this regard not only as a true financial powerhouse but also as a life enabler, helping Nigerians live better and achieve their dreams.
FirstBank has supported and still supports various initiatives in the youth segment, apart from First Class Material, in furtherance of the bank’s long term commitment to promote youth development, professional excellence, and education.
FirstBank
· Partners with Eventful Nigeria for Fashion Souk, a platform for fashion industry players to exhibit and sell their wares to event participants.
· Recently introduced fashion design loans to help sustain the textile industry.
· Uses its First@arts to support the value chain of the creative arts, providing finance and advice, facilitating the successes of the industry, and enabling customers to access the wealth of opportunities in the creative industry.
These and other schemes are done through partnerships with the British Council, Duke of Shomolu Productions, Live Theatre Lagos, Freedom Park, Terra Kulture, and the Cross Rivers State Government (Calabar Festival), and other bodies.
First Bank says it remains exemplary to expose youths to a wide range of opportunities integral to the realisation of their dreams, as they contribute to the socio-economic development of their immediate environment and Nigeria at large.
This it does through sponsorship of similar socio-cultural initiatives in the creative arts like Moremi, Makaliki, Oba Esugbayi stage drama, October 1st (a movie), the Calabar Festival and the recently concluded The Voice Nigeria (Season 3).
FirstBank says it indeed remains a noble brand close to the heart of the youths and its deliberate effort is a catalyst of socio-economic growth of youths and Nigeria as a whole.
