• Lagosians thrilled by first-ever boat racing competition in Africa

By Kehinde Aderemi

Last weekend, the city of Lagos was agog. It was at the maiden edition of the E1 Lagos GP, a boat racing competition sponsored by First Bank Plc.

The three-day sporting event captured the serene ambience of Lagos State as a city of excellence and a state of aquatic splendour.

Known for its hospitality, Lagos State played host to tourists, sports personalities, culture enthusiasts, and top musicians from across the world. 

Tourists gathered on the Island, the open ground of the Continental Hotel, to enjoy the bliss and glamour of the first-ever all-electric power boat racing competition in Africa.

The E1 Lagos GP began on Friday with a boat regatta, led by Governor Sanwo-Olu and other state officials.

It was followed by a quick shakedown on water by the competing teams – a spectacular scene showcasing the beginning of the event.

The sporting event became more lively when the competing teams and entertainers produced stunning performances from the beginning to the end of the competition.

Business owners, marketers and brisk traders were also present at the venue to build their business network, display and sell their products to buyers at affordable prices.

In his goodwill message, President Bola Tinubu assured the world of Nigeria’s commitment to clean energy that is sustainable. 

Tinubu praised the Lagos State governor, Mr Babajide Sanwo-Olu, First Bank Plc, the sponsors of the event for their efforts in making the race a reality.

He said Lagos is making history as the first city in Africa to host the E1 Lagos GP, the powerboat racing championship, joining the ranks of Monaco, London, Jeddah, and Venice. 

Tinubu explained that the event underscores his administration’s commitment to the blue economy as a catalyst for growth.

“By investing in our coastal infrastructure, marine tourism, and renewable energy, we create jobs, open new opportunities for youth, and strengthen Nigeria’s place in the global community,” Tinubu stated.

Also speaking, Governor Sanwo-Olu said Lagos State would leverage the E1 Lagos GP to drive climate action. He described the event as more than just a sporting spectacle but an economic and environmental springboard aimed at unlocking the continent’s maritime potential.

“With this platform, Lagos is pushing the frontiers of the blue economy. We want to create a bold and resilient ecosystem that produces leaders in technology, sports, entertainment and economic innovation. 

“This is about shaping a future that is climate-resilient and economically inclusive.

“E1 Lagos GP is more than a race; it is a celebration of Lagos’ resilience and dynamism. It is a testimony of our growing influence and energy,” Sanwo-Olu said.

First Bank Plc stressed the need to boost Nigeria’s economy through tourism. The Acting Group Head, Marketing and Corporate Communications, Yinka Ijabiyi, said the bank would drive initiatives that enhance creative culture across the country.

Ijabiyi highlighted the vision of the bank as sponsors of the E1 Lagos GP. He said the bank celebrates ideas and innovations that are not only sustainable but could also push the boundaries and unleash the “unstoppable Vybes of Lagos” onto the global stage.

He stated also that he was happy that First Bank succeeded in sponsoring the first-ever all-electric powerboat racing competition in Africa, describing the feat as a major milestone.

Meanwhile, Founder and Chief Executive Officer of E1, Rodi Basso, said he was impressed by the reception from the Lagos State Government. He said Lagos State was prepared to host the event by making sure that the global event received the needed awareness to provide a thrilling taste of what was to come on race day.

“The warm welcome we have received in Lagos has been incredible. The people and passion of Nigeria have made this historic E1 Lagos GP sponsored by First Bank possible, and I feel a great sense of pride that we have made racing here a reality.

“Our ambition is to build a motorsport legacy in Africa. This event is just the beginning and I am sure future events promise to be thrilling and historic,” he stated.

According to him, the E1 was an all-electric powerboat race that began last year in Jeddah, adding that Lagos has become the first city in Africa to host it.

At the end of the competition, Team Brazil finished as the winners of the event, clinching their first win of the series in the process.

Powerboat pilot Timmy Hansen led the Brazilian team through the group races, and in the final stage, Team Brazil beat Team Blue Rising to second place while Team Drogba finished third.

While congratulating the winner, Governor Sanwo-Olu said: “We had an incredible experience hosting the E1 Lagos GP. Watching the world’s first-ever electric powerboat race take place right here on our water was a proud moment for our city.

“Congratulations to Team Brazil for taking the top spot. Their energy and determination truly lit up our waterways.

“The E1 Lagos GP was about innovation, sustainability, and showing what is possible when Lagos embraces new ideas and global partnerships,” the governor stated.

Mrs Mariam Ajewole,  a tourist, said she was impressed by the turnout of people at the event.

 According to her, the E1 Lagos GP would continue to spotlight Lagos State as a state that is ready to host the world in global sports.

“I came from Ibadan to be part of this event and I was happy that it ended well.

“With this event, Lagos State has proved once again that it is ready to take its pride of place as the commercial nerve centre of Nigeria,” she stated.

Mrs Chika Nwatbo, a fashion shop dealer, displayed her products at the event. She expressed appreciation to the Lagos State Government and the sponsors for providing the space and opportunities for her to display her products.

“It is a big opportunity for me to be part of this event. It opened up my brand and I have made a lot of friends through this event.

“First Bank also did wonders. The bank provided mobile automated teller machine (ATM) facilities for people to get cash on the go and we enjoy good patronage from other participants at the event,” she stated.

Mr Shola Agunbiade, a Chelsea fan, was excited to see his football hero and legend, Didier Drogba, sitting comfortably to watch his team at the competition.

“I came here to see Chelsea legend, Didier Drogba, and I am happy I saw him. It was one such memory that would remain evergreen in my mind,” he said.

As the first-ever boat racing competition ended in Lagos, the E1 Lagos GP brought with it memories that would continue to linger on in the minds of Lagosians.

The event, according to the organisers, was also the penultimate race of the season, that would set the tone for the championship battle ahead of the season finale in Miami next month.

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