By Modupe Gbadeyanka
As part of its determination to support entrepreneurs with good business ideas but are unable to raise funds for advancement, Ecobank Nigeria has agreed to become the lead sponsor of Lions’ Den TV reality show.
The show, which is a spinoff of the popular Dragons Den and Shark Tank in the UK and the US respectively, is packaged by Ultima Studios, a leading reality television programmes producer in West Africa. The 2021 edition of the show will hit the screens soon.
The Lions’ Den brings together budding entrepreneurs and innovators with seasoned investors and business leaders to create an avenue where compelling best ideas are supported and funded.
Speaking in Lagos, the Managing Director of Ecobank Nigeria, Mr Patrick Akinwuntan, reiterated the lender’s commitment to be the foremost financial institution in the country providing thought leadership within the Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) space and also supporting them with access to financial products and services to succeed.
He expressed optimism that the show would attract the target group, including established SMEs seeking seed or expansion capital, aspiring entrepreneurs and young graduates with bright business ideas because the TV show has a proven track record of appealing to both male and female audiences across the globe.
“SMEs and entrepreneurs in the country are looking for a viable partner that will help them build sustainable businesses.
“Customers have become more discerning, they are not looking for any partner, but the right partner – one that is not just providing financial support but is investing in their growth; this is what Ecobank represents.
“We have been actively supporting SMEs because we recognise them as the engine of growth of any economy. This TV show will further create more entrepreneurs.
“We are pleased to partner with Ultima Limited, which has a pedigree of producing world-class programmes such as Who Wants To Be A Millionaire? and Project Fame West Africa.
“We believe the target group will embrace the programme and at the end of the day, we will achieve our objectives of supporting small businesses and helping aspiring entrepreneurs in the country realize their dreams,” Mr Akinwuntan said.
On his part, the CEO of Ultima Studios, Mr Femi Ayeni, said he has reached an agreement with UK-based Sony Pictures Television to produce the Nigerian version of the globally acclaimed business reality television show, Lions’ Den.
He said the show, the first of its kind in Nigeria, is a variation of the original show that was first aired in Japan and has now been produced in over 30 countries.
