First Bank adopts arts for mass employment, economic development

First Bank of Nigeria (FBN) says it is harnessing strength and skills of the nation’s youths through arts by creating mass employment, promoting economic development and preserving Nigeria’s rich cultural heritage.

Mr Oluseyi Oyefeso, the FBN’s Executive Director, Retail Banking, South Directorate, said this during a stage play, “Kúrunmí” sponsored by the bank, on Sunday night in Lagos.

Kúrunmí was written by Late Nigerian playwright, Prof. Ola Rotimi.

It is a theatrical production that delves into the rich history of the Oyo Kingdom, and is part of First@arts initiative.

The stage play was produced by Gboyega Akosile, who is also Special Adviser, Media and Publicity to Gov. Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State.

Kúrunmí, directed by Muyideen Oladipupo (Lala), told the story of a fearless leader in the ancient Yoruba Kingdom of Oyo.

Speaking with journalists, Oyefeso said that the play told a major story which documented for posterity, the culture and conflict between the ancient Egbas, the Ibadans, and the Oyo people.

According to him, FBN is there to make sure we preserve the culture of Nigeria,

He said that First@arts covered almost everything around arts, including stage plays, cinematography, artworks, documenting history, documenting the society, among others, to preserve the culture and the history of Nigerian people.

The executive director said that the large stage cast was a fraction compared to huge numbers that worked behind the scene, thereby creating jobs and contributing to Nigeria’s economic growth.

“That is what we need to be thinking about in Nigeria. How do we productively engage our young ones, to putting them to productive use?

“You can see the energy that those young folks display. You can see the choreography, amazing dance steps.

“So, we have to find a way to keep them engaged for the positive use. In a way, FBN is using the arts to promote job creation and develop the economy,” he said.

Oyefeso urged people in the creative sector with good proposals to present them to FBN for free sponsorship.

Gboyega Akosile, the producer, thanked FBN for the partnership.

Akosile, who is also Special Adviser, Media and Publicity to Sanwo-Olu, also appreciated the governor for supporting his vision to birth Kúrunmí.

He said that his vision was to promote arts, and Kúrunmí gave him the satisfaction of using the large dedicated cast who diligently worked for five months to bring the idea to fruition.

The Director, Lala, said that the story would help the younger generation to connect to their roots, adding that, white actors were included to aid understanding of colonialists involvement.

“Theatre is dying and we need people to support and revive it, so, we are happy with what First Bank is doing because 85 per cent of our cast are youths,” he said.