By Bolaji Israel

Seth Godin, an American author, entrepreneur and one of the world’s most influential business thinkers said “A great brand always raises the bar — it adds a greater sense of purpose to the experience.” Godin’s thought aligns with a related view that “Enduring brands are those that pursue progress with intentional restlessness, continually elevating their standards across every action, every choice, and every expression of their purpose.”

This is a truth that echoes across the business world, but only a handful of institutions live it with the kind of consistency that makes the saying feel almost crafted for them. FirstBank of Nigeria stands firmly in that category.

For 131 years, the Bank has remained a foremost financial powerhouse in Africa not by resting on heritage, but by innovating—relentlessly, deliberately, and with a pulse tuned to the evolving aspirations of its customers.

This December, that tradition of raising the bar takes on a vibrant new expression with the launch of Vybe Hub, a dedicated microsite designed to elevate FirstBank’s famed DecemberIssaVybe (DIAV) campaign to an even higher level of excitement. The campaign—running since 2018 under the Bank’s First@Arts initiative—has become synonymous with December in Nigeria. It has supported the country’s creative and entertainment ecosystem while giving customers premium, curated access to the very best concerts, shows, musicals, plays, festivals, and fashion experiences that define Lagos’ festive season.

Now, with Vybe Hub, FirstBank isn’t just sustaining the tradition; it is amplifying it, modernising it, and packaging it in a way that gives customers more choice, more access, more rewards, more visibility, and ultimately more December memories.

A Platform That Gives December Its Groove

Vybe Hub is designed as an all-in-one digital experience for Vybers—those young-at-heart, culture-loving customers who want to be at the centre of the festivities without missing a beat. The platform brings order and convenience to what is usually a chaotic, overbooked season by helping customers secure exclusive access to the hottest concerts, festivals, and entertainment events. But the real magic of Vybe Hub lies in how experiential it is. It doesn’t just give access—it gives enhanced access, wrapped in rewards and surprise perks.

Vybers can get instant giveaways ranging from airtime to cashback on tickets and other goodies that make the entire season feel personalised. In a world where costs are rising and festive outings can take a toll on the wallet, these giveaways offer refreshing relief and signal FirstBank’s commitment to adding tangible value.

The platform also introduces the Vybe Wall of Fame, a curated space where Vybers can upload their best pictures and videos. It’s an invitation to show off, celebrate, and relive December’s finest moments while gaining visibility in the broader DecemberIssaVybe community. It also deepens the sense of belonging—because DecemberIssaVybe has always thrived on community energy.

Beyond personal experiences, Vybe Hub doubles as a collaboration channel. Corporates and individuals looking to connect with young Nigerians now have an exciting avenue to partner with FirstBank during the campaign. It is a win-win: brands reach the most vibrant demographic during the country’s busiest social season, while Vybers enjoy richer, more diverse experiences.

Bundles Built Around You

A major highlight of the 2025 edition is the introduction of three DecemberIssaVybe Bundles, curated to ensure no customer is left out of the fun—regardless of budget, preference, or how loudly they like their December to roar.

The Vybers Starter Pack is perfect for those easing themselves into the festive wave. It offers essential access and perks that guarantee you will not watch December from the sidelines, giving you a comfortable entry point into the season’s biggest experiences.

For those who prefer their December with a bit more flair and elevated excitement, the Vybers Premium Pack delivers a fuller experience. It offers expanded access, more rewards, and a richer blend of curated events—ideal for people who like their festive calendar busy, bold, and carefully orchestrated without the stress of last-minute ticket hunts.

Then there is the Vybers Ultimate Pack, created for the true December connoisseur—the Vyber who wants front-row seats, premium access, top-tier giveaways, and a December curated to perfection. This pack brings the loudest, most unforgettable version of the season, ensuring you glide through December with VIP energy and unmatched access. Together, these bundles create a buffet of excitement where every Vyber can simply choose their flavour and step into a December tailored for them.

CSR Meets Entertainment—And Everyone Wins

Since its inception, DecemberIssaVybe has been more than a seasonal marketing project. It represents FirstBank’s long-term investment in the creative economy. The bank has fuelled the ecosystem by consistently sponsoring festivals, concerts, and cultural showcases—giving Nigerian creatives a stronger platform while providing customers with access that might otherwise be out of reach.

This is corporate responsibility at its most responsive: supporting an industry that employs thousands of young people, shapes national identity, and improves quality of life. By launching Vybe Hub, FirstBank is not only enhancing customer experience but also strengthening a sector that feeds the aspirations of the nation’s youth.

Don’t Miss Out—This December Is Different

Perhaps the most compelling message of all is this: DecemberIssaVybe 2025 is not business as usual. With the Vybe Hub, things are faster, more connected, more curated, and more rewarding. The events will sell out. The memories will be massive. The season will be a whirlwind. And the question is simple: Will you be part of it?

If you want the access, the giveaways, the early tickets, the curated wall-of-fame moments, the bragging rights, and a December packed with premium energy, now is the time to move. Visit www.decemberissavybe.com, pick your bundle, and claim your space before the Vybe wave sweeps past.

Because December isn’t waiting. And this year, FirstBank has made sure the Vybe is bigger than ever.

Amaka Obiefuna

CAMCAN Sets 2025 Workshop Agenda, Highlights ISA Reforms and Investment Climate

The Capital Market Correspondents Association of Nigeria (CAMCAN) has concluded plans to host its 2025 annual workshop, a key engagement platform designed to deepen dialogue and strengthen policy direction across Nigeria’s capital market and the wider economy.

The workshop scheduled for December 6 and 7, 2025, at Orchid Hotels, Ajah, Lagos, will focus on the theme: “Regulatory Reforms: ISA 2025 and Nigeria’s Investment Climate.”

The theme underscores the increasing urgency for coordinated regulatory reforms to stabilise the financial system, enhance investor confidence, and reposition the market for global competitiveness.

In a statement, CAMCAN said the workshop will highlight how the forthcoming Investments and Securities Act (ISA) 2025 is expected to serve as a transformative legal framework capable of driving the depth, efficiency, and innovation required in Nigeria’s capital market.

The association described the Act as a forward-looking instrument that goes beyond merely replacing the 2007 legislation.

According to CAMCAN, ISA 2025 will strengthen the Securities and Exchange Commission by explicitly defining its regulatory objectives, powers, and functions—ranging from investor protection and market transparency to curbing unlawful practices, reducing systemic risk, and supporting capital formation.

The clarity of mandate, it added, is one of the most significant improvements expected to advance market governance and align Nigeria with international best practices while addressing domestic peculiarities.

The two-day workshop is expected to convene regulators, market operators, economists, bank executives, and other stakeholders for strategic discussions around the evolving investment climate.

The Director-General of the SEC, Dr Emomotimi Agama, will attend as the Special Guest of Honour.

The Chairman of the Nigerian Exchange Group Plc, Alhaji Umaru Kwairanga, will chair the event, while the Group Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of GTI Group, Mr Abubakar Lawal, will deliver the keynote address.

The Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian Exchange (NGX) Group, Mr Temi Popoola, and the Group Chief Operating Officer of FMDQ Group, Ms. Tumi Sekoni, will serve as guests of honour.

A panel session featuring representatives from key regulatory bodies and capital market institutions will further dissect the keynote address, offering expert perspectives on reform priorities and market development strategies.

CAMCAN noted that its annual workshop remains central to its mandate of promoting market development through research, advocacy, and sustained engagement.

The 2025 edition, it said, will contribute significantly to ongoing conversations around economic stability, investor protection, and market modernisation.

As Nigeria continues to navigate macroeconomic headwinds, the deliberations and recommendations arising from the workshop are expected to guide policy adjustments and industry strategies geared toward building a stronger financial system and a more resilient capital market.

FMDQ Group Plc will lead the list of sponsors for the event.

Other sponsors include Fidelity Bank, United Bank for Africa, NGX Group, the Securities and Exchange Commission, Seplat Energy, Central Securities Clearing System, Oando, Zenith Bank, Access Corporation, FBN Holdings, United Capital, FCMB, VFD Group and Nestlé Nigeria, among others.