The MD/CEO of First Bank Nigeria Limited, Adesola Adeduntan has explained why the bank decided to bankroll Ayinla, a joint production of Tunde Kelani and Jade Osiberu.
In a recent chat, Adeduntan explained the bank’s resolve to sponsor socio-cultural initiatives in the creatives and arts industry.
He said, “Over time, we have been involved in the sponsorship of several socio-cultural initiatives in the creative arts industry like Moremi, Mokalik, Oba Esugbayi stage drama, October 1, and the Calabar Festival.
“Even in the music industry, we have supported and sponsored artistes like Davido, Burna Boy, and a host of other reigning stars. Importantly, the Bank’s sponsorship of ‘Ayinla’ affirms the bank’s support for the development of arts in Nigeria under our First@arts initiative.’
Speaking further, Adeduntan noted that: “First Bank believes that our culture, our art, is a very important part of who we are, and it reflects who we are. And for us to ensure that our culture, our arts, our practices don’t perish, especially one that will continue to mainstream our arts, and that is what this movie emphasizes a lot.”
On Sunday, June 13, the bank joined other brands to participate in the premiere of ‘Ayinla’ at the EbonyLife Place. The premiere had film stars like Kunle Afolayan, Kunle Remi, Mr. Macaroni, Femi Branch, Toyin Abraham, Mercy Aigbe, Omowunmi Dada, Bimbo Ademoye, and Big Brother Africa’s Tayo Faniran, amongst several others in attendance.
The highlight of the event was when First Bank handed a cheque of N500,000 each to actress Osas Ighodaro and actor Akah Nnani for being the best-dressed female and male respectively.
The movie, ‘Ayinla’, appeals to a multifaceted audience that cuts across fans of highlife and Afrobeat music, the youth, and the elite Yoruba demography. It is about the life and times of late Nigerian musician, Ayinla Omowura who made fame with his Apala music laced with wisdom, grit, and yabs.