In a vibrant celebration of creativity and innovation, Stanbic IBTC Pension Managers rewarded 12 young Nigerians with a total of N32 million through its FUZE Talent Hunt initiative, culminating in the FUZE Festival on December 21, 2022. Held at the Livespot Entertainment Centre in Lekki, Lagos, the event showcased emerging talents in music, dance, fashion, and technology, providing a platform for young creatives to shine while fostering entrepreneurship across Nigeria.
Empowering Young Talent with Cash and Opportunities
The FUZE Talent Hunt, designed to empower creative Nigerians aged 18 to 35, attracted over 4,000 entries via the Stanbic IBTC Events App. After a rigorous selection process, 40 contestants advanced to the quarterfinals, 24 reached the semifinals, and 12 made it to the finals. The top winners in each category—music, dance, fashion, and technology—each received N5 million, while first and second runners-up were awarded N2 million and N1 million, respectively. Beyond financial rewards, winners gained industry recognition and access to mentorship to support their creative and entrepreneurial journeys.
Olumide Oyetan, Chief Executive of Stanbic IBTC Pension Managers, emphasized the initiative’s mission: “The organisation did well to seek, discover, and empower young talents whose ingenuity deserved to be in the limelight.” He highlighted how FUZE aligns with the company’s vision of making dreams possible by providing a stage for Nigeria’s youth to showcase their potential.
A Platform for Creativity and Business
The FUZE Festival, where winners were announced, was more than a talent showcase—it was a vibrant celebration of Nigerian entrepreneurship. Local business owners were given free opportunities to display their products, boosting their visibility and patronage. “The FUZE Festival equally allowed Nigerian business owners to showcase their products at the event for free,” Oyetan noted, underscoring the initiative’s broader economic impact.
The event featured live performances by top Nigerian artists, including Ladipoe, Teni, Wurld, and DJ Crowd Kontroller, creating an electrifying atmosphere. Attendees also enjoyed a marketplace with discounted shopping, games, and family-friendly activities, making the festival a memorable end to 2022. A three-part episode of the FUZE Talent Hunt, detailing the auditions, contests, and finale, is set to air in Q1 2023 on select media channels, further amplifying the winners’ stories.
A Timely Boost Amid Economic Challenges
Nike Bajomo, Executive Director of Business Development at Stanbic IBTC Pension Managers, described the festival as “impactful and timely,” aimed at uplifting Nigerians despite a challenging year marked by a 52.2% inflation rate and a depreciating cedi (GH¢13 to the US dollar in January 2023). “The event was aimed at making Nigerians end the year 2022 on a high note regardless of what the rest of the year had been like,” she said. The FUZE initiative reflects Stanbic IBTC’s commitment to fostering creativity and economic resilience in a tough economic climate.
Setting the Stage for Future Success
The FUZE Talent Hunt not only rewarded individual talent but also reinforced Nigeria’s vibrant creative industry, which contributes significantly to GDP. By providing financial support, mentorship, and exposure, Stanbic IBTC is helping to nurture the next generation of innovators. As Nigeria navigates economic headwinds, including efforts to secure a $3 billion IMF bailout, initiatives like FUZE offer a beacon of hope, empowering youth and entrepreneurs to drive growth and innovation.
