The Managing Director made this pledge at the Photography, Art, and Design Exhibition (PADE) event held by the Bank to commemorate this year’s World Photography Day in Lagos.

Lawal restated the bank’s commitment and determination to contribute to sustainable economic development, working with the youths, local community, and society at large to improve quality of life, in ways that are both good for business and national development.

The Ecobank Nigeria MD who was represented by Biyi Olagbami, the Executive Director/Chief Risk Officer, observed that Nigeria has an assemblage of articulate and creatives minds who have demonstrated love for the profession and are telling the African story in many ways through their lenses,  and that as a Pan African bank, part of Ecobank’s vision is to serve as a platform for harnessing and powering the creativity of the African continent. 

According to him, “For us as a bank, we decided to commemorate the World Photography Day, understanding it was an opportunity to help showcase the brilliance of Nigerian creatives to the world. It is part of our current strategy as a Pan African Bank to sustain our legacy as a foremost supporter of the creative industry in Nigeria, providing a platform for harnessing and powering creative talents on the African continent”.

Facilitators at the masterclass session including veteran creative photographer, painter and artist, Kelechi Amadi -Obi; Pocket Lawyers, Ngozi Nwabueze; ace Photojournalist, Pius Utomi Ekpei, Agence France-Presse (AFP); art photographer, August Udoh and a creative director/photographer Yemi Disu were full of praises for the Pan African bank, stressing that such massive support and partnership from corporate organizations would further stimulate the growth of the art and business of photography. They shared their experiences and offered tips on how to excel in the profession.

According to Kelechi Amadi -Obi, Ecobank deserves commendation for identifying with the photographers on the World Photography Day, urging other corporate organizations to emulate the bank.

He advised the audience, particularly the up-coming professionals to set realizable goals and put measures in place to achieving them, adding that when the goals are achieved, they set new ones until they meet all their career objectives.

On her part, Ngozi Nwabueze, dwelt on image copyrights and the legal structure to protect their works. She took them through the legal steps and enumerated the benefits of ensuring that their works are protected by the relevant provisions of the laws.

The Photography, Arts, Design Exhibition (PADE) by Ecobank is a fun-filled and memorable 3-day event holding from Friday 19th to Sunday 21st August 2022.

It has as its theme “A Canvas for Africa’s Creatives” and is witnessing an assemblage of creative influencers in photography, visual arts, vocal and dramatic arts, and designs.

The event which is open to the public features a collage of portrait photographers, event photographers, landscape photo artists and basically everyone with lenses to capture moments and frame memories in time.

There is a photography contest where customers have the chance to showcase their tribe in colorful style to win a family weekend getaway, amongst others.

Usually celebrated on August 19, the World Photography Day is an annual, worldwide celebration of the art, craft, science, and history of photography.

Jide Sipe, Head, Marketing and Corporate Communications, Ecobank Nigeria, said the exhibition was conceived by the bank to help showcase the brilliance of Nigerian creatives to the world, stating that the 3-day event themed “A Canvas for Africa’s Creatives “will hold in its state-of-the-art head office complex, Ecobank Pan African Centre (EPAC) on Ozumba Mbadiwe, Victoria Island from Friday August 19 to Sunday August 21, 2022.

Mr Sipe, who mentioned that the general public is invited to attend free of charge, explained that the exhibition is part of the bank’s current strategy as a Pan African Bank to sustain its legacy as a foremost supporter of the creative industry in the country, noting that it provides a platform for harnessing and powering the creativity of the African continent.

He further explained that the event will witness an assemblage of creative influencers in photography, visual arts, vocal and dramatic arts, and designs, adding that there will also be digital engagement ideas for creatives, photography contest and draws on social media, amongst others.

“At the event, we expect portrait photographers, event photographers, landscape photo artists and basically everyone with lenses to capture moments and frame memories in time. We also expect creative influencers in visual arts such as painters, calligraphers, cartoonists, make-up artist and basically everyone good with a brush or pen. In attendance too will be spoken word poets, influencers, videographers and basically everyone who can compose a distinct audio-visual reality. We are in contact with architects, interior designers, graphic designers and basically everyone who enjoys bringing abstractions to life. There will also be side attractions, including games, photobooths, performances, VR station for kids, and 3D virtual art displays,” he said.

Mr. Sipe further called on all creatives and influencers to do short videos introducing and showcasing themselves on social media. “We will have a contest where people would take pictures or paint a notable Nigerian Landmark and share their inspiration with us. Participants must hashtag their photos or paintings with #Padebyecobank to participate. There will also be a raffle draw on social media to determine who wins the free family photoshoot during the exhibition. This is open to people who attend the exhibition. It is a total package.”