They join First Bank of Nigeria, Nigeria LNG (NLNG) and Shell in supporting the landmark event.

Mighty Media Plus Network Limited, publishers of the online newspaper QEDNG, confirmed the development in a statement on Friday.

The company described the sponsorship as a strong show of belief in Nigeria’s creative sector.

Speaking on the addition of the two banks, Olumide Iyanda, chief executive officer of Mighty Media Plus Network Limited and convener of the summit, said Providus Bank has consistently demonstrated its commitment to creativity.

“Providus Bank’s support is a demonstration of its strong commitment to promoting the creative industry,” Iyanda said. “Through its partnership with the Federal Government of Nigeria on the N5billion Creative Fund, the bank has supported filmmakers and other creatives.”

Iyanda explained that the Creative Fund was created to address the challenges of traditional bank financing by offering a more flexible and accessible model.

The goal, he said, is to make funding easier for creators while ensuring accountability and long-term impact.

“By joining us as a sponsor, Providus Bank is reaffirming that creativity is not just an art; it is a serious business that can grow jobs, drive innovation and shape our economy,” he added.

Providus Bank is also known for promoting creativity, culture and community through events such as the World Poetry Day celebration and The Hive.

On Polaris Bank, Iyanda commended its N1.5 billion Creative Sector Fund launched in partnership with Woodhall Capital, the Lagos State Government and the United Kingdom.

The initiative is designed to give entrepreneurs in fashion, film, music, and digital content better access to structured financing.

“Polaris Bank’s work in this space is a perfect fit for what we are doing,” Iyanda said. “They are investing in people who have the ideas, the talent and the drive to tell authentic stories, build strong brands and export Nigerian culture to the world.”

He also praised the bank’s Creative Currency Podcast. “The podcast is a smart move. It connects creatives with those who can fund, guide, and open doors for them. That is exactly the kind of bridge we want this summit to build.”

FirstBank, NLNG and Shell are also backing the summit. Iyanda said FirstBank’s support builds on its long-running First@arts initiative, which has financed, advised, and promoted Nigerian creatives and cultural events.

NLNG, he noted, is celebrated for its prestigious prizes in literature, science and literary criticism, each rewarding excellence and innovation. Shell’s contribution reflects its commitment to education and community-focused development.

The QEDNG Creative Powerhouse Summit will hold on Tuesday, August 12, 2025, at the Radisson Blu Hotel, Isaac John Street, Ikeja GRA, Lagos. The event will start at 10:00 a.m.

With the theme “Financing as Catalyst for a Thriving Creative Economy”, the summit will gather creatives, investors, policymakers and business leaders.

Discussions will focus on practical solutions to the funding challenges facing Nigeria’s creative industries.

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Also supporting the event are Nigeria LNG (NLNG) and Shell Nigeria, two major players in the country’s energy and development sectors.

, Olumide Iyanda, chief executive officer of Mighty Media Plus Network Limited, announced the partnerships in a statement on Monday.

Mr Iyanda described FirstBank’s involvement as a strong statement of the bank’s belief in the power of Nigeria’s creative sector.

“FirstBank’s support is a reaffirmation of its long-standing commitment to promoting the creative economy,” he said. “Through First@arts, the bank has become a reliable partner to talents, institutions, and organisations working to grow Nigeria’s cultural assets.”

First@arts is FirstBank’s platform for supporting the arts. It provides financing, advisory services, and exposure for creatives across the value chain. The bank has backed major cultural events and partnered with institutions such as British Council, Duke of Shomolu Productions, Live Theatre Lagos, Freedom Park and Terra Kulture.

Among the projects FirstBank has supported are The Headies Awards, Lagos International Theatre Festival, The Oxymoron of Kenny Blaq, Kurunmi, Eni Ogun, and Oke Langbodo.

Iyanda also praised NLNG for its role in promoting excellence in literature and science through The Nigeria Prize for Literature, The Nigeria Prize for Science, and The Nigeria Prize for Literary Criticism.

“NLNG has shown leadership by rewarding creativity and innovation in ways that impact both the literary and scientific communities,” he said.

The prizes, worth up to USD100,000, are among the most prestigious on the continent. They celebrate Nigerian authors, critics, and scientists whose work makes a real difference.

Shell’s support for the summit reflects its ongoing commitment to education and social development. The company focuses on sustainable, community-driven educational projects, ranging from scholarships to infrastructure development and ICT donations.

“Shell’s belief in education as a foundation for long-term progress aligns with our vision for the summit,” Iyanda added.

He further noted that more sponsors will be unveiled in the coming weeks.

The QEDNG Creative Powerhouse Summit, themed “Financing as Catalyst for a Thriving Creative Economy,” will take place on Tuesday, August 12, 2025, at 10:00 a.m. The venue is the prestigious Radisson Blu Hotel, Isaac John Street, Ikeja GRA, Lagos.

The summit will bring together creatives, investors, policymakers, and business leaders to explore solutions to the funding challenges facing Nigeria’s creative industries.

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The event will take place at the Radisson Blu Hotel in Ikeja, Lagos.

The announcement was made in a statement on Wednesday by Mighty Media Plus Network Limited, publishers of the online newspaper QEDNG.

The summit is themed “Financing as Catalyst for a Thriving Creative Economy.” It will bring together leaders from across sectors to share ideas on how to grow and support Nigeria’s creative industries.

Participants will include policymakers, investors, industry professionals, and emerging talents.

Speaking on why Dr Balonwu was chosen, Olumide Iyanda, CEO of Mighty Media Plus Network Limited and Convener of the summit, said her experience made her a perfect fit.

“Dr Balonwu’s work in advocating African voices in global discourse and her expertise across law, technology, finance, show business, and international development continue to inspire transformation across the continent,” he said.

“As a visionary championing Africa’s creative potential, her insights will resonate deeply with the audience of policymakers, entrepreneurs, and industry leaders. Her keynote address will set the stage for robust dialogue, highlighting the unique opportunities within Africa’s creative economy and inspiring actionable steps to unlock its full potential.”

Iyanda added that the summit will explore funding solutions, build partnerships between creatives and investors, and offer tools for financial management. It will also create space for collaboration to drive long-term progress in the sector.

Dr Balonwu leads The Africa Soft Power Group, the umbrella company for three organisations with mutual objectives: The Africa Soft Power Project, ASP Global and African Women on Board. The organisations focus on using culture, media, and technology to reshape Africa’s global influence.

She was formerly the CEO of Spinlet, Sub-Saharan Africa’s first major music streaming platform, which grew to over two million subscribers under her leadership.

Balonwu holds a Doctorate from the University of California, Berkeley, a Master’s from University College London, and a Law degree from the University of Manchester. She has been called to the bar in England, Nigeria, and New York.

In 2022, she was listed among New African magazine’s Top 100 Most Influential Africans. In 2019, she received the Powerlist UK Black Excellence International Award for her work with African Women on Board.

She also served as a Senior Fellow at Harvard Kennedy School’s Mossavar-Rahmani Center for Business and Government from 2022 to 2023, focusing on the role of the private sector in shaping gender policy in Africa.

The QEDNG Creative Powerhouse Summit is expected to be a landmark gathering for professionals in Nigeria’s creative space. More speakers and panellists will be announced in the coming weeks.

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Ufot is the group managing director of SO&U, one of Africa’s foremost marketing communications groups.

The announcement was made in a statement on Friday. It follows the recent confirmation that the summit will take place on Tuesday, August 12, 2025, at Radisson Blu Hotel, Isaac John Street, Ikeja, Lagos.

Themed “Financing as Catalysts for a Thriving Creative Economy,” the summit will bring together key figures in the creative space—including industry leaders, investors, policymakers, and emerging talents—to discuss ways to boost the sector’s growth and sustainability.

Olumide Iyanda, chief executive officer of Mighty Media Plus Network Limited and Convener of the summit, said Ufot’s career achievements and support for the creative economy make him an ideal choice.

“The summit will explore innovative funding solutions, fostering partnerships between creatives and investors, and provide tools for effective financial management. It will also serve as a space for collaboration between creatives, industry leaders, and policymakers to drive sustainable growth,” Iyanda said.

He recalled Ufot’s long-standing relationship with QEDNG, dating back to the platform’s launch in 2014. According to him, Ufot’s guidance and encouragement helped shape QEDNG’s direction and identity.

“Mr Ufot’s position as chairman will underscore his role as a thought leader and champion of Nigeria’s creative industry. His leadership and insights will inspire participants to pursue innovation and excellence, reinforcing the importance of strategic collaboration. It will also highlight his pivotal contributions to the advancement of the creative sector in Nigeria,” Iyanda added.

Ufot began his career in 1984 at Insight Communications, where he rose to the position of Deputy Creative Director (Art). In 1989, he joined CASERS as Creative Director.

Just six months later, he co-founded SO&U, which has since become one of Nigeria’s most respected advertising agencies.

He holds a Bachelor’s degree in Industrial Design from Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, and has also completed programmes at the Swedish Institute of Management and the Lagos Business School.

Over the years, Ufot has held several leadership roles in the industry. He served as President of the Association of Advertising Agencies of Nigeria (AAAN) and Chairman of the Advertising Practitioners Council of Nigeria (APCON).

He also chairs the Board of the Policy Innovation Centre, sits on the board of the Nigeria Economic Summit Group (NESG), and co-chairs its Policy Commission on Tourism, Hospitality, Entertainment, Creative Industries and Sports (THECS).

Ufot is committed to developing future industry leaders. He mentors young professionals and lectures at the School of Media and Communication, Pan-Atlantic University, where he chairs the advisory board.

He is a past President of the Lagos Business School Alumni Association and former Board Chair of LEAP Africa, a non-profit organisation focused on youth leadership and entrepreneurship. He also serves on the board of Special Olympics Nigeria.

In 2014, the Federal Government of Nigeria honoured him with the Member of the Order of the Federal Republic (MFR) for his contributions to the corporate sector.

The QEDNG Creative Powerhouse Summit is open to a broad audience, including artists, filmmakers, musicians, designers, advertisers, academics, and financial institutions.

It is expected to be a landmark event for collaboration, innovation, and investment in Nigeria’s creative economy.

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