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Stanbic IBTC Pension Managers has again made a significant mark on Nigeria’s cultural landscape by sponsoring the highly successful ninth edition of ART X, West Africa’s premier international art fair recently held in Lagos.
The event showcased a vibrant display of African artistic expression, reinforcing the Pension Fund Administrator’s commitment to blending its pension expertise with promoting the continent’s rich cultural heritage. The collaboration highlights the importance of arts in society and emphasises the firm’s dedication to supporting creativity in Nigeria and beyond.
Since its inception, Stanbic IBTC Pension Managers has provided innovative pension solutions while championing financial literacy in Nigeria. As a subsidiary of Stanbic IBTC Holdings, and a member of the renowned 162-year-old Standard Bank Group, the organisation has consistently demonstrated its commitment to financial empowerment and the cultural enrichment of the Nigerian society.
Recognising the transformative power of art and its ability to inspire communities, Stanbic IBTC Pension Managers began its partnership with ART X Lagos shortly after the fair’s launch in 2016. This collaboration has evolved beyond just sponsorship to a strategic alliance aimed at nurturing the arts and elevating African voices in the global art scene. Through its continuous support, Stanbic IBTC Pension Managers has played an instrumental role in shaping key initiatives such as kids tours to the annual event, and ART X Talks, both of which foster dialogue about the importance of art in societal development.
During the event, Olumide Oyetan, Chief Executive of Stanbic IBTC Pension Managers, invited attendees to reflect on their current state, and aspirations for the future. He emphasised the incredible power individuals possess to shape their outcomes. He reiterated this year’s theme, ‘Promised Lands’, which encourages attendees to envision new possibilities and the transformative potential that lies ahead.
He explained that art can inspire, provoke thought, and ignite change; bridging the past and future. This year, as before, artists, curators, and cultural advocates who work tirelessly to enrich the artistic landscape were recognised; and their dedication, passion, and resilience commended as essential to the creative community.
Stanbic IBTC Pension Managers’ Chief Executive further expressed pride in sponsoring a unique project titled ‘Mark Makers: Unsung Pioneers’, which honours extraordinary Nigerians whose contributions may have been overlooked but whose legacies resonate in the collective consciousness. By highlighting unsung heroes, the programme aims to acknowledge their impact and inspire future generations to embrace creativity and courage in their endeavours.
Oyetan, urged everyone to immerse themselves in the exhibitions and stories of resilience showcased during the event. He highlighted the journeys of unsung pioneers, including Nana Asma’u, who was instrumental in changing the landscape of women’s education; Oladunni Oduguwa, who boldly reshaped the music industry for women; Professor Augustine Njoku- Obi, whose work in developing a cholera vaccine has saved many lives; and Mohammed Bah-Abba, who has made significant contributions to food preservation in rural communities.
