Stanbic IBTC has again underscored the symbiotic relationship that exists between business and arts at its yearly Fine Arts and The Acts event, which held on Thursday 14 December, 2017 at the Terra Kulture Arena in Lagos. According to the financial institution, the event, themed ‘Nigeria to the World’, also served as an avenue to appreciate its loyal customers and to thank them for their patronage in the year.
The excitingly unique event, the third in the series, featured an arts exhibition and the works of several artists, as well as musical performances, comedy, and a stage play by the Terra Kulture Crew. The exhibition segment featured the art collections of Prof Olukonyinsola Ajayi (SAN) and those of Stanbic IBTC. Artists whose works were on parade included Olumide Onadipe, Dare Adenuga, Obinna Makata, Julius Agbaje, Uchay Joel Chima, Gbenga Offo, and Adeyinka Akingbade. Others were Lamidi Fakeye and the master himself Ben Enwonwu.
“This event is to demonstrate Stanbic IBTC’s support for the creative industry and to establish the nexus between entrepreneurship and talent development in Nigeria. Also, we hope to appreciate, celebrate and thank our esteemed clients for their customs and support in 2017,” Chief Executive, Stanbic IBTC Holdings PLC, Mr Yinka Sanni, said.
According to Sanni, “Such support, through collaborations, partnerships and sponsorships, is intended to ignite the latent talent and entrepreneurial spirit of the populace that when harnessed will move society forward.” He assured that Stanbic IBTC will continue to draw from the rich experience of the 154-year-old Standard Bank Group, to which Stanbic IBTC belongs, to provide business leadership and direction by supporting arts as well as other sectors of the economy in a way to ensure the socio-economic growth and development of society.
The well-attended event also provided a platform for entrepreneurs, business people, bankers, industrialists, artists and art enthusiasts to interact and for networking opportunities exploited to advance business interests, especially those supportive of the arts community.
The duo of IK Osakioduwa and Ayo Mario Ese compeered the event and participants were treated to the best musical performances by Timi Dakolo and Isaac Geralds, while celebrated comedians Basketmouth and KennyBlaq thrilled the audience with their rib-cracking jokes. The highpoint of the event was the exhilarating performance of the stage play Fela and His Queens by the Terra Kulture Crew.
Stanbic IBTC Holdings PLC is a full service financial services group with a clear focus on three main business pillars – Corporate and Investment Banking, Personal and Business Banking and Wealth Management. Stanbic IBTC belongs to the Standard Bank Group, the largest African financial institution by assets. It is rooted in Africa with strategic representation in 20 countries on the African continent. Standard Bank is focused on building first-class, on-the-ground financial services institutions in chosen countries in Africa; and connecting selected emerging markets to Africa by applying sector expertise, particularly in natural resources, power and infrastructure.