UBA Celebrates 75 Years with ‘Creators Unlocked’ Event, Awards Nigerian Filmmakers
In celebration of its 75th anniversary, United Bank for Africa (UBA) has amplified its support for Nigeria’s creative industry by hosting the #UBACreatorsUnlocked event, a dynamic platform for emerging filmmakers and storytellers. The event, which highlighted UBA’s legacy of innovation and community impact, marked the finale of a documentary challenge that began earlier this year, inviting creators to capture the bank’s rich 75-year history in short, 75-second films.
The #UBACreatorsUnlocked event brought together a vibrant gathering of creatives, from budding talents to established professionals. Noteworthy attendees included acclaimed actor and director Daniel Etim Effiong, who shared valuable career insights, and popular Instagram content creator Meshkiey, along with many other influencers and artists within Nigeria’s entertainment scene.
Reflecting on his career journey, Effiong encouraged attendees to take bold steps in pursuing their creative passions. “A few years ago, I left a secure engineering career to pursue my passion in film. Standing here today, I can tell you that following your creative instincts, despite the uncertainties, can lead to extraordinary fulfilment. The creative industry needs more brave souls willing to take that leap of faith, and initiatives like UBA Creators Unlocked are providing the safety net that many creators need to make that jump,” Effiong shared.
Among the top winners was filmmaker Hannah Sampson, who received a $750 prize. “Being selected among the top three winners and receiving the $750 prize has enabled me to fulfill my lifelong dream of producing my short films. I will submit these films to festivals, and I’m immensely grateful to UBA for providing this platform and supporting my creative journey,” Sampson said.
Speaking at the event, Alero Ladipo, UBA’s Group Head of Corporate and Marketing Communications, emphasized the bank’s dedication to fostering the entertainment industry’s growth in Nigeria. “We are thrilled by the participation of creative filmmakers in this campaign. It underscores Nigeria’s abundance of talent, and UBA’s commitment to supporting initiatives that advance our nation remains strong,” Ladipo stated.
Olufemi Bamigbetan, Head of REDTV, further affirmed UBA’s dedication to nurturing both emerging and established talents, reinforcing the bank’s vision to elevate African voices and creativity across the continent. The success of #UBACreatorsUnlocked is a testament to UBA’s longstanding legacy of empowering communities and driving positive change through innovation and support for the arts.
