Tag: Stanbic IBTC Pension Managers

As ART X Lagos celebrated its tenth year, exploring how imagination can shape the future of African cities, Stanbic IBTC Pension Managers, a subsidiary of Stanbic IBTC  Holdings, stood out through its sponsorship of The Library, an installation dedicated to knowledge, continuity, and cultural insight.

The 2025 fair, which was held in Lagos, embraced the theme ‘Imagining Otherwise, No Matter the Tide’, inviting audiences to reflect on how imagination can foster healthier, more connected urban futures. Over the years, ART X Lagos has grown into a vital platform for contemporary African expression. For Stanbic IBTC Pension Managers, the partnership aligns with its belief that creativity, knowledge, and cultural preservation are essential to building

thriving societies. As an organisation committed to safeguarding the future of millions of Nigerians, it recognises art’s power to document history, inspire new thinking, and strengthen community bonds.

This year, the organisation expanded its contribution through The Library, an interactive installation designed as a space for quiet reflection and shared discovery. Inspired by the resilience of Nigeria’s mangrove ecosystems, The Library symbolises continuity, renewal,

Read Also: Jonathan accuses Embaló of orchestrating ‘ceremonial coup’ in Guinea-Bissau

and the value of collective knowledge. Visitors explored curated books and visual materials from the Guest Artists Space (G.A.S.) Foundation art library; selections from the ART X curator’s research archive; ART X Cinema programming; and an exhibition of works by the iconic Nigerian artist Bruce Onobrakpeya. The installation offered a contemplative counterpoint to the fair’s vibrant energy, inviting audiences to consider how ideas and stories shape the world around them.

At the event, Olumide Oyetan, Chief Executive of Stanbic IBTC Pension Managers, highlighted how the theme reflects Nigeria’s resilience, a resilience mirrored in the ingenuity and determination of communities nationwide. He noted that imagination is central not only to artistic expression but also to long-term planning, resilience, and financial confidence, enabling us to envision possibilities beyond the present and build sustainable futures rooted in shared purpose.

He described The Library as a space for reflection, learning, inspiration, and a drive for tomorrow. Olumide emphasised the importance of nurturing young minds, encouraging them to appreciate art, and inspiring them to imagine a promising future.

He also expressed appreciation for the creativity and innovation of African artists, noting that showcasing this rich cultural heritage reflects a belief in every individual’s potential to foster positive change.

He concluded by encouraging everyone to celebrate their culture and the promise of what lies ahead.

The event also featured the signature Kids Tour, welcoming 60 students from Lisabi Grammar School, Abeokuta; Mile High International School, Ikotun; and Roy Dek Academy, Makoko, Yaba, Lagos. The tour introduced participants to contemporary art, providing insights into various media and techniques while sparking curiosity and fostering early appreciation for visual arts.

Since ART X Lagos’ debut in 2016, Stanbic IBTC Pension Managers’ involvement has grown from a simple contribution to a purposeful collaboration focused on nurturing artistic expression and amplifying African perspectives globally. In addition to The Library, the organisation hosted a private VIP experience for select high-net-worth clients, offering an intimate view of standout artworks and space for thoughtful conversation about legacy,

creativity, and the evolving landscape of African art.

Through these initiatives, ART X Lagos and Stanbic IBTC Pension Managers strengthened connections between art, education, and community engagement. As the fair enters a new decade, Stanbic IBTC Pension Managers remains a steadfast supporter of artists, curators, and cultural advocates enriching Nigeria’s creative landscape, and looks forward to expanding its cultural initiatives while championing imagination, knowledge preservation, and community resilience in the years ahead.

• Unveils judges

Stanbic IBTC Pension Managers, a subsidiary of Stanbic IBTC Holdings, has kicked off the third season of its acclaimed FUZE Talent Show with the unveiling of a panel of judges.

The event at the Stanbic IBTC Towers in Lagos set the stage for what promises to be the most exciting edition yet, of the youth-centric talent discovery platform.

The Chief Executive, Stanbic IBTC Pension Managers, Olumide Oyetan in a statement said this year’s theme, ‘Light it up’ encapsulates the show’s mission to illuminate and celebrate Nigerian youths’ boundless creativity and talent.

Olumide emphasised the transformative power of the FUZE Talent Show, stating, “Each season, we’ve witnessed this platform’s ability to uncover, foster, and propel young talents into the spotlight; giving rise to new stars who now shine across the realms of music, dance, fashion, and technology”.

Read Also: Sanwo-Olu, Anyaoku, religious leaders hail Iwuanyanwu’s legacy 

A key event highlight was the announcement of an unprecedented grand prize of N50 million for this year’s winners, setting new stakes for talent competitions in Nigeria. This substantial increase in prize money underscores Stanbic IBTC Pension Managers’ commitment to providing life-changing opportunities for young Nigerian talents.

The star-studded judging panel for FUZE 3.0 was unveiled, featuring a diverse group of industry experts who will evaluate contestants in four categories:

Fashion: Funke Adepoju, a celebrated Nigerian fashion designer and the founder of Funke Adepoju Couture, will bring her expertise in blending traditional Nigerian aesthetics with contemporary styles to the fashion category.

Technology: Akinwande Akinsulire, the Director of Engineering at Co-Creation Hub (CcHub), will lead the technology category in identifying ideas in the tech space.

Dance: DonFlexx, a renowned entrepreneur, social media influencer, and digital marketing expert, will bring his dynamic energy to the dance category; looking for performers who can captivate audiences both on stage and online.

Music: Korede Bello, an award-winning Nigerian singer and songwriter, will lend his musical prowess to identify the next big stars in the music category.

These industry heavyweights will provide fair ratings, valuable feedback, and guidance to participants throughout their FUZE journey.

The media parley also revealed an expanded regional selection of contestants for the competition, promising even more diverse opportunities for participants to showcase their skills. Building on the success of previous seasons, which engaged over 10,000 participants and captured millions of viewers worldwide, FUZE 3.0 is poised to reach new heights in participation and global attention. Olumide called on Nigeria’s youths to seize this opportunity: “To our participants, let your creativity flow freely; your passion ignite the spark within; and your talents illuminate the stage. You are the heart and soul of the FUZE Talent Show, and we’re here to celebrate each of you.”

The event concluded with a robust Q&A session, during which members of the press engaged with the Stanbic IBTC Pension Managers team and the newly announced judges, gaining deeper insights into the competition’s structure, judging criteria, and the long-term vision for FUZE as a catalyst for youth empowerment in Nigeria.