Emmanuel OchayiSterling Bank, Nigeria’s commercial bank, reaffirmed its collaboration with the Book Buzz Foundation for the 11th installment of the Ake Arts and Books Festival to enrich communities.
Scheduled from November 22nd to 24th, 2023, in Ikeja, Lagos, this partnership underscores Sterling Bank’s steadfast resolve to invest in communities and uplift lives.
Maurice Igugu, the Chief Marketing Officer of Sterling Bank, emphasized the institution’s sustained commitment to sectors of the economy under its HEARTS strategy, emphasizing their aim to empower communities through education.
“Our focus on strategic educational investments aims to equip communities with knowledge, combating poverty and elevating standards of living,” stated Igugu.
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The Ake Festival, conceived by director Lola Shoneyin, serves as a platform for nurturing the creative spirit among the youth. Sterling Bank continues its support for the festival, aligning with its broader mission of fostering creativity and communal advancement.
Themed “Blood Ties,” the 2023 edition of the festival strives to explore the intricacies of family, love, relationships, loss, and unity, embodying inclusivity and championing diverse voices and perspectives.
Expressing gratitude for the collaboration with Sterling Bank and Luminate, Shoneyin highlighted an addition to this year’s festival: The Africa Rights Forum.
This initiative aims to empower agents and editors in sub-Saharan Africa to navigate the global rights market and bolster African publishers on the global stage.
Visitors to the festival can anticipate engaging panel discussions with some of Africa’s most brilliant minds. Shoneyin remarked, “This year, we have eight incredible panel discussions featuring Africa’s brightest minds. Everyone leaves Aké Festival feeling enriched.”
Aside from panel discussions, the festival will also feature in-depth interviews with a myriad of writers from Africa and beyond. These sessions will delve into the themes, memorable characters, and captivating worlds these authors create for readers, promising an immersive experience for attendees.
Sterling Bank’s continued alliance with the Ake Arts and Books Festival stands as a beacon of its dedication to community enrichment, promising a festival filled with thought-provoking discussions, empowering initiatives, and celebrations of creativity.
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