Yemisi Izuora
Stanbic IBTC reaffirmed its commitment to nurturing the next generation of innovators and creative thinkers at its annual Blue Kids Day event.
Held in partnership with the National Theatre, this year’s ToonTopia-themed edition, spotlighting Nigeria’s second Children’s Animation Festival, delivered a vibrant and immersive experience designed to spark creativity, inspire imagination, and promote learning among young minds.
This was not just an event, it was a launchpad for discovery, expression, and boundless potential.
Launched in 2022, Stanbic IBTC Blue Kids Day has grown into a dynamic platform dedicated to enriching young minds through impactful and memorable experiences, demonstrating the organization’s enduring commitment to shaping a brighter future for children. This year’s ToonTopia-themed edition brought that vision to life, celebrating African storytelling, creativity, and imagination. It delivered an immersive and inspiring learning experience for 180 children aged 8 to 12, going beyond the traditional Children’s Day celebration to spark curiosity, unlock creativity, and shape future possibilities.
The event was successfully held on May 23, 2026, at the renowned Wole Soyinka Centre for Culture and Creative Arts (National Theatre), Iganmu, Lagos. It delivered a dynamic and immersive experience, with participants taking part in animation workshops, art sessions, film screenings, digital creativity classes, and hands-on educational activities. Each session was thoughtfully designed to spark curiosity, ignite creativity, and build future-ready skills. The programme concluded on a high note, as every child received a certificate of participation, recognizing their enthusiasm, creativity, and the new knowledge they gained throughout the experience.
Speaking on the initiative, Bunmi Dayo-Olagunju, Deputy Chief Executive of Stanbic IBTC Bank, said:
“Children thrive when given the freedom to explore, imagine, and create. Through Blue Kids Day, we are deliberate about creating experiences that spark confidence, fuel creativity, and encourage lifelong learning. Our collaboration with the National Theatre reflects our strong belief that exposure to creative and digital skills can unlock the boundless potential within every child and prepare them for future opportunities.”
She further reaffirmed Stanbic IBTC’s commitment to supporting initiatives that nurture the holistic development of children, while creating lasting value for families and the communities they serve.
Reinforcing this vision, Olu Delano, Executive Director, Personal and Private Banking at Stanbic IBTC Bank, stated:
“At Stanbic IBTC, empowering children goes beyond financial literacy, it is about opening their minds to possibilities and inspiring their imagination. Blue Kids Day allows us to support families by creating experiences that build creativity, confidence, and future-ready skills. Our collaboration with the National Theatre underscores our commitment to raising well-rounded individuals prepared to thrive in a fast-changing world.”
This partnership underscores the rising importance of creative education and digital literacy in today’s world. By introducing children to animation, storytelling, and artistic expression in an evolving fun, hands-on environment, the programme not only made learning exciting but also nurtured innovation and critical thinking.
As Stanbic IBTC continues to enable Nigerians to live a better life by going beyond banking to enrich lives, Blue Kids Day stands as a strong symbol of its commitment to empowering young people, supporting families, and shaping a generation of confident, imaginative, and future-ready Nigerians.