April 16, (THEWILL) — First City Monument Bank is leveraging cultural platforms to drive small business growth, financial inclusion, and broader market access, positioning events like the Ibadan Cultural Festival as viable economic hubs.
The bank, a lead partner of the festival organised by the Central Council of Ibadan Indigenes, said cultural gatherings are evolving into commercial ecosystems that bring together vendors, creatives, and service providers, generating significant economic activity.
Speaking in Ibadan, FCMB’s Divisional Head of Corporate Affairs, Diran Olojo, said the bank’s strategy focuses on enabling participation and supporting business growth within these ecosystems.
“We see culture as a functioning marketplace. Events like this concentrate demand, talent, and enterprise in one place. Our role is to help businesses plug into that through access to finance, visibility, and transaction support”, he said.
He noted that the festival stimulates sectors including hospitality, retail, transport, and the creative industry, while also attracting diaspora participation that boosts remittances and local investment.
President-General of the council, Ajeniyi Ajewole, described the festival as both a cultural and economic platform that promotes tourism, supports local enterprises, and encourages diaspora engagement.
Chairman of the planning committee, Gbolagade Akere, added that the 2026 edition is designed to strengthen Ibadan’s position as a tourism and investment destination.
FCMB said the initiative aligns with its broader strategy to connect informal and small-scale businesses to finance, markets, and growth opportunities.
Ogochukwu Onwaeze is a writer specializing in business and economic journalism. At THEWILL News Media, she translates market trends, financial developments, and policy shifts into clear and engaging stories.
