Stanbic IBTC Pension Managers captivated audiences with the grand finale of the FUZE Talent Show on December 23, 2023.
The highly anticipated event, held at the prestigious Livespot Entertarium in Lekki, Lagos, witnessed the crowning of 12 exceptional individuals who shared a staggering N32 million in prize money.
The FUZE Talent Show, which attracted over 4,000 entries, featured participants from across Nigeria competing in categories including music, dance, fashion, and technology. The top three in each category earned the privilege of performing live at the acclaimed venue and secured cash prizes of N5 million, N2 million, and N1 million for the first, second, and third place respectively.
Praise Eguajoe, Mariam Bello, Chioma Ukpabi-Steve, and Atonopriya Cotterell emerged triumphant in the dance, fashion, technology, and music categories, each walking away with a coveted N5 million cash prize.
The journey to the finals was arduous, involving a rigorous two-week boot camp, multiple levels of competition, and weekly elimination shows. The top 12 contestants showcased their raw talent in the thrilling finals, making it an unforgettable experience for both participants and spectators alike.
The event extended beyond a talent showcase, offering a full-day festival experience for over 10,000 attendees. A marketplace and an unforgettable concert featuring A-list Nigerian artists such as Adekunle Gold, Pheelz, Fave, and NSG provided a day filled with excitement and fun, all offered free of charge as a gesture in line with the festive season spirit.
Olumide Oyetan, Chief Executive of Stanbic IBTC Pension Managers, expressed pride in Nigeria’s diverse talent pool and emphasized the institution’s commitment to not only professionally managing retirement funds but also nurturing the potential of the youth.
Nike Bajomo, Executive Director of Business Development at Stanbic IBTC Pension Managers, congratulated the winners and emphasized the profound impact of the FUZE Festival in empowering Nigerians to pursue their dreams and end 2023 on a high note.
The panel of judges, including Ric Hassani, Banke Kuku, Bunmi Olunloyo, and Stanley Jacob, played a pivotal role in evaluating performances and supporting contestants. Stanbic IBTC Pension Managers reiterated its dedication to empowering young Nigerians and supporting the creative industry.
In a statement, Olumide Oyetan remarked, “We believe that your best days are always ahead; so we aim to help you identify and seize the opportunities to harness them.”
For more information on Stanbic IBTC Pension Managers and its initiatives, visit: www.stanbicibtcpension.com.