Stanbic IBTC Pension Managers, a subsidiary of Stanbic IBTC Holdings, has officially kicked off the third season of its acclaimed FUZE Talent Show by unveiling the show’s panel of judges. The launch event at Stanbic IBTC Towers in Victoria Island, Lagos, set the stage for what promises to be the most exciting edition yet of the youth-centric talent discovery platform.

In his address, Olumide Oyetan, Chief Executive of Stanbic IBTC Pension Managers, revealed this year’s theme: Light it up. The theme encapsulates the show’s mission to illuminate and celebrate Nigerian youths’ boundless creativity and talents.

Oyetan emphasized the transformative power of the FUZE Talent Show, stating, “Each season, we’ve witnessed this platform’s ability to uncover, foster, and propel young talents into the spotlight; giving rise to new stars who now shine across the realms of music, dance, fashion, and technology- both in Nigeria and globally”.

Olumide further elaborated that the FUZE initiative was birthed to address the gap created by young people not being captured within the pension scheme. Stanbic IBTC Pension Managers, through their extensive work in the space, have realized that young people seldom adopt pension savings early; and when they do, it is too late for them to save enough for the future. Hence, there is a need to attract them through their interests.

“We aim to make Nigerian youths the best version of themselves. That is why we do this and are committed to it. To ensure equal opportunity for everyone, every aspect of the competition must go through a transparent process. This has been consistent every year, and it keeps improving”.

A significant highlight of the event was the announcement of the new grand prize of ₦50 million, which set a new benchmark for talent competitions across Nigeria.

Kenneth Omeogu, Head of Business Development, Stanbic IBTC Pension Managers, while making this announcement and other upgrades for the FUZE Talent Show 3.0, explained that this substantial prize signifies a new era in the stakes of talent competitions, demonstrating Stanbic IBTC Pension Manager’s commitment to recognizing, rewarding and developing exceptional talent.

Kenneth listed the notable improvements on the third edition of the show tagged

FUZE 3.0. He explained that the improvements are aimed at enhancing participants’ experiences and operational efficiency. One of the improvements was the registration platform, which was significantly improved to make the registration process more user-friendly and accessible, encouraging more registrations. He noted a remarkable increase in participants from locations outside Lagos, indicating growing interest and broader reach of the competition across the country.

Another critical change is the relocation of the boot camp. This strategic move provides the contestants with a better environment to enhance their creative process and overall experience during the competition, such as mentorship, networking, bonding, collaboration, and so on.

Overall, these upgrades indicate a deliberate effort to elevate the quality and impact of the FUZE Talent Show 3.0, making it a platform for showcasing talent and genuinely fostering and rewarding artistic excellence.

Nike Bajomo, the Executive Director of Business Development at Stanbic IBTC Pension Managers, elaborated that talent discovery and support are strategic pillars of the business’s broader goals, underscoring their investment in the FUZE Talent Show. Aligning with young people’s inclination to follow their passion, Stanbic IBTC Pension Managers has proactively identified, supported, and rewarded talented individuals across the select music, dance, fashion, and tech fields.

Nike further explained that nurturing talent will create a ripple effect to foster personal and professional growth, a vibrant community, and contribute to the nation’s economic development.

She emphasized that this initiative is a pioneering one within the financial institution industry, setting a new benchmark for corporations’ contribution to societal growth beyond traditional business models.

The lineup of judges includes prominent figures from various industries: Olufunke Adepoju, celebrated for her contributions to fashion; Akinwande Akinsulire, a renowned name in the tech industry; Akorede Bello, a respected authority in the music industry; and Nonso Asobe, also known as DonFlexx – a distinguished figure in the dance community.

This diverse and expertly curated panel demonstrates the competition’s commitment to excellence across various creative disciplines, promising an enriching experience for all involved. The judges will also provide insightful feedback and valuable guidance while evaluating the participants, enhancing their journey through FUZE 3.0.

The winners of Fuze Talent Show 2.0 were not left out either. Chioma Ukpabi, a FUZE Talent Show 2.0 winner, a social tech entrepreneur, and Executive Director of Skill Up with Kahdsole (SUWK), highlighted her goal of using technology to make education accessible for all. The show provided SUWK with a platform to showcase their work in the EdTech sector, leading to a significant increase from 800 to 2800 learners engaged in vocational studies. The victory boosted SUWK’s visibility, credibility, and growth, attracting new partnerships and funding opportunities.

The prize money allowed SUWK to obtain accreditation and expand its course offerings from four to eleven with a standardized curriculum. This success attracted investors and public attention, leading to over $100,000 in financing. The show inspired SUWK to continuously innovate, introduce new courses, enhance platforms, and develop an AI-powered career guidance tool.

Also, Atonopriya Cotterell, an afro pop-soul artist from Rivers State who won the music category, said, “Winning the FUZE Talent Show last year has significantly boosted my career. Unlike before FUZE, I have been actively earning from my music, expanded my social media following to over 100,000, and garnered millions of streams. Additionally, I’ve had the incredible chance to work alongside renowned artists and producers, greatly enriching my experience. This has provided me with a platform to reach a broader audience, enabling my music to connect with people worldwide. The FUZE Talent Show will always hold a special place in my story.” Cotterell stated.

As anticipation builds for FUZE 3.0 as Stanbic IBTC Pension Managers reaffirm its commitment to nurturing young talent and contributing to the growth of Nigeria’s creative industries. Building on the success of previous seasons, which had over 10,000 participants and captured millions of viewers worldwide, the company invites the media and the public to participate and support the FUZE Talent Show 3.0, poised to reach new heights in participation and global attention.  

To discover the next generation of Nigerian stars, you can tune in to the FUZE Talent Show @stanbicIBTC live on YouTube on Saturday 02 November 2024 by 7 PM and African Magic Showcase DStv 151 on Sunday, 03 November 2024. Participants can also register on the Stanbic IBTC Events App, which is available on Android and iOS; or visit events.stanbicibtc.com.

For the latest updates, follow Stanbic IBTC on social media and join the conversation using the hashtags #LightItUp, #FUZE2024 and #StanbicIBTCPensionManagers.