By Kazeem Ugbodaga
The Lagos Lagoon glistened in shades of blue and gold as electrical powerboats sliced by way of the water, cheered on by an ecstatic crowd that lined Victoria Island’s waterfront from Saturday, 3 October to Sunday, 5 October. For two unforgettable days, Lagos turned Africa’s capital of fresh vitality, glamour, and innovation, all powered by First Bank of Nigeria, the sponsor of the continent’s first-ever E1 Lagos Grand Prix.
From the rhythmic sounds of Afrobeats echoing throughout the Marina to the sight of smooth, futuristic boats gliding silently on water, the E1 Lagos GP was greater than a race, it was a celebration of Lagos’ vibrant spirit and Nigeria’s march in the direction of sustainability.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, in a goodwill message, hailed the occasion as a daring assertion of intent by Nigeria and Lagos, praising Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, First Bank, and different companions for delivering a world-class spectacle.
“The E1 Powerboat series combines world-class entertainment with clean energy innovation. This championship is not just a thrilling spectacle on water but a commitment to a greener and more sustainable future,” the president had mentioned on the opening ceremony of the good occasion on Friday, 3 October.
He described Lagos as “a gateway to innovation, technology, and global sporting excellence,” affirming the nation’s readiness to guide Africa’s transition to scrub vitality.
Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, who led the regatta that opened the occasion, described the championship as a proud second for Lagos and a mirrored image of its world potential.
“E1 Lagos GP is more than a race; it is a celebration of Lagos’ dynamism, the Spirit of Lagos,” the governor mentioned, including that “It shows our capacity to host world-class events and underscores our commitment to sustainability.”
Crowds thronged the Lagos Lagoon and fan zones, having enjoyable, snapping selfies, and soaking within the festive ambiance. International sports activities icons, traders, and followers got here from the world over, together with former Chelsea and Ivory Coast soccer legend Didier Drogba, co-owner of Team Drogba Global Africa, who added a contact of celeb magic to the weekend.
For First Bank of Nigeria, the occasion was not nearly sports activities, it was about making historical past. Acting Group Head of Marketing and Corporate Communications, Olayinka Ijabiyi, mentioned sponsoring the E1 Lagos GP mirrored the {bank}’s heritage of innovation and renewal.
“Innovation, sustainability, excitement, speed, we are a heritage bank that has been around for 131 years, and for every one of those years, we have constantly renewed ourselves,” Ijabiyi mentioned, saying that “When this opportunity came, who else could bring the first E1 GP to Nigeria but First Bank? We are proud to have presented Lagos and Nigeria to the world.”
At the First Bank Pavilion, guests loved interactive experiences, life-style engagements, and product showcases, whereas music, style, and meals added a distinctly Lagos flavour. Families and younger professionals mingled with entrepreneurs, all celebrating a fusion of expertise, tradition, and sustainability, hallmarks of the {bank}’s model id.
“This race is a net-zero emitter,” Ijabiyi added. “We are strong on sustaining the environment and supporting a cleaner, greener future. It’s innovation meeting responsibility.”
The E1 partnership additionally connects with the {bank}’s #FirstBankDecemberIssaVybe sequence, an annual celebration of leisure and life-style that lights up Nigeria’s festive season. “December is the Vybe,” Ijabiyi teased. “This is just a taste of what’s to come-fun, fashion, food, and amazing experiences.”
The finale on Sunday was nothing wanting electrifying as Team Brazil claimed victory, with pilots Timmy Hansen and Leva Millere-Hagin steering their electrical boat to glory, beating Team Blue Rising and Team Drogba to the rostrum.
As the solar set over the Lagoon, the waterfront remodeled right into a sea of lights and cheers, a second that captured the center of Lagos: energetic, formidable, and at all times prepared to guide.
With its sponsorship of the E1 Lagos Grand Prix, First Bank as soon as once more proved that it’s greater than a {financial} establishment, it’s a life-style model championing innovation, sustainability, and nationwide delight.
In the phrases of Latoya Johnson, a Lagosian who attended the occasion: “I grew up knowing First Bank as the reliable one. Seeing them behind something this big makes me proud. They’re not just banking our money, they’re banking our future.”
From clear vitality to cultural celebration, from racing boats to smiling faces, the E1 Lagos GP was a strong reminder that when innovation meets custom, the result’s pure magic.
