Stanbic IBTC Pension Managers recently announced its plans to award N50 million to winners of its upcoming FUZE 3.0 talent show, a highlight revealed by the Executive Director of Business Development, Nike Bajomo, during a media event for the FUZE festival in Lagos. This festival stands as a celebration of various creative sectors, including technology, fashion, dance, and music, directed at empowering Nigerian youths by providing them a platform for artistic expression and innovation. Bajomo emphasized that the talent show extends beyond mere competition; its overarching goal is to foster a supportive environment for young talents, particularly in a country grappling with limited job opportunities. She remarked that FUZE is designed to help these talents realize their dreams, thereby steering the youth away from negative influences.
The competition will offer substantial financial rewards across multiple categories, with winners receiving N7.5 million each, while first and second runners-up will receive N3 million and N2 million, respectively. Kenneth Omeogu, the Head of Business Development at Stanbic IBTC Pension Managers, shared that this year’s FUZE talent show has seen an overwhelming increase in participant numbers, particularly from Lagos, with registrations doubling compared to previous seasons. Emphasizing the enhanced registration and entry processes, he noted their intention to accommodate the growing interest and ensure that talents have the required support to showcase their skills effectively.
Judges of the talent show have expressed confidence in its dual purpose: showcasing remarkable talent and promoting personal and professional development. Nonso Asobe, a judge from the dance sector, remarked on how vital it is for the show to nurture individual growth alongside displaying exceptional abilities. Similarly, fashion judge Olufunke Adepoju highlighted the pivotal role visibility plays for participants within the creative industries, emphasizing that the exposure contestants receive during the event can significantly aid in their craft’s growth beyond the competition’s scope. Such sentiments echo a common theme throughout the discussion— that the talent show is fundamentally about more than just winning.
In line with this notion, music judge Korede Bello underscored the significance of the platform offered by Stanbic IBTC, expressing hope for the rise of new talent emerging from the show. This sentiment was reinforced by the Chief Executive of Stanbic IBTC Pension Managers, Olumide Oyetan, who reflected on the impactful legacy of the FUZE talent show in prior seasons. Oyetan noted that the competition serves as a catalyst for inspiration, giving rise to new stars who excel across various domains, including science, technology, fashion, and dance. His vision for this season remains ambitious, with aspirations to attract more participants and broader recognition for the talents displayed.
The considerable N50 million prize fund stands as a testament to Stanbic IBTC Pension Managers’ commitment to empowering the youth through creative means. The initiative is aimed at not only uplifting individual participants but also creating an ecosystem where artistic expression can thrive amid challenging economic conditions. This aligns with the broader objectives of supporting the youth in Nigeria and providing them with tools and opportunities to excel in their respective fields.
Ultimately, Stanbic IBTC Pension Managers’ FUZE 3.0 talent show serves as a multifaceted platform for aspiring artists across Nigeria. By combining the elements of competition, exposure, and personal growth, the initiative seeks to create a transformative experience for its participants and inspire the next generation of stars. With past seasons generating significant impact and visibility, this year’s event holds the promise of recognizing and nurturing emerging talents, marking a significant stride in empowering the vibrant creative community within Nigeria.
