Africa’s Global Bank, the United Bank for Africa (UBA), has reaffirmed her unwavering commitment to empower the creative industry across the continent. Tony Elumelu, Chairman of UBA, emphasized this dedication during his keynote address at the Nigerian International Film and TV Summit (NIFSTV) 2023 in Lagos. Elumelu highlighted UBA’s visionary approach to nurturing and promoting talent, stating that the bank continues to make substantial investments in the creative sector, exemplified by its lifestyle and entertainment platforms, REDTV and RED Radio.
Elumelu noted that these strategic initiatives have acted as transformative catalysts, propelling the growth of the creative sector and enabling African talents to shine on the global stage. Representing Elumelu at the NIFSTV summit, UBA’s Deputy Managing Director, Muyiwa Akinyemi, further emphasized the bank’s commitment to empowering the next generation of creative entrepreneurs and elevating industry standards.
He explained, “UBA takes pride in its role as Africa’s global bank. A few years ago, we invested over a billion naira to establish RED TV and RED Radio in 2017. These investments have served as springboards for creative minds and entrepreneurs to launch themselves into the market.” UBA’s digital online television channel has become a dynamic platform championing African creativity in diverse fields such as music, fashion, film, and more. UBA’s dedication to providing emerging artists, filmmakers, and designers with the means to reach broader audiences, both locally and internationally, has solidified its position as a driving force behind the global recognition of the African entertainment industry.
Akinyemi conveyed to the summit participants that through these bold initiatives, UBA has demonstrated its role as a powerful enabler of talent, transcending its identity as a mere bank. The institution is pioneering the fostering of Africa’s vibrant creative ecosystem and is poised to be at the forefront of Africa’s cultural expression and artistic ingenuity.
The NIFSTV 2023 summit served as a platform for professionals, stakeholders, and enthusiasts from the Nigerian film and television industry to engage in discussions about innovation, collaboration, and sustainable growth. A special panel session at the event delved into the importance of insurance and financial management for film professionals, featuring notable panelists such as Babatunde Ajayi, Head of SME Banking at UBA; Gbenga Osibodu, Regional Head, West at Heirs Insurance Group; and Olufemi Bamigbetan, Creative Director at RED TV. The session was moderated by Ijeoma Onah, the founder and convener of NIFSTV.
UBA’s commitment to the creative industry underscores its transformative influence and significant contribution to Africa’s artistic and cultural renaissance. As the bank continues to invest in this sector, it remains steadfast in its mission to be the vanguard of Africa’s cultural expression and artistic ingenuity.
United Bank for Africa stands as one of the largest employers in the African financial sector, with a workforce of 25,000 employees across the group and a customer base of over 35 million globally. Operating in 20 African countries and internationally in the United Kingdom, the United States of America, France, and the United Arab Emirates, UBA provides retail, commercial, and institutional banking services, leading financial inclusion and implementing cutting-edge technology.
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Seunmanuel Faleye is a brand and communications strategist. He is a covert writer and an overt creative head. He publishes Apple's Bite International Magazine.