By Kazeem Ugbodaga
Lagos became Africa’s capital of clean energy and innovation as the first-ever E1 Lagos Grand Prix electrified the city’s waterfront from October 3 to 5, 2025. The historic event, powered by First Bank of Nigeria, drew thousands of spectators to Victoria Island to witness cutting-edge electric powerboats race across the Lagos Lagoon.
For two days, the Marina came alive with Afrobeats music, cheers, and the sight of sleek, futuristic boats gliding silently through water. The championship marked a major milestone for Nigeria’s sustainability drive and placed Lagos at the centre of global clean-energy sports.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, in a goodwill message at the opening ceremony, described the event as a bold step towards a greener future. He commended Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, First Bank, and other partners for delivering what he called “a world-class spectacle.”
Tinubu said the E1 Powerboat Series demonstrated how clean energy and technology could drive innovation across Africa. “This championship is not just a thrilling spectacle on water but a commitment to a greener and more sustainable future,” he stated.
The president also hailed Lagos as “a gateway to innovation, technology, and global sporting excellence,” affirming Nigeria’s readiness to lead Africa’s clean-energy transition.
Governor Sanwo-Olu, who led a regatta at the opening ceremony, said the event was a proud moment for Lagos and a testament to its global potential. “E1 Lagos GP is more than a race; it is a celebration of Lagos’ dynamism—the Spirit of Lagos,” he said.
The waterfront drew large crowds of fun-seekers, sports enthusiasts, and investors who soaked in the festive atmosphere. Fans snapped selfies, enjoyed live music, and participated in interactive activities that blended sport, culture, and technology.
Among international celebrities present was former football legend Didier Drogba, co-owner of Team Drogba Global Africa, whose appearance added glamour and global appeal to the event.
For First Bank of Nigeria, the main sponsor, the race symbolized its long-standing tradition of innovation and renewal. Acting Group Head of Marketing and Corporate Communications, Olayinka Ijabiyi, said the bank’s involvement reflected its heritage of leadership and commitment to sustainability.
“Innovation, sustainability, excitement, speed — we’ve been a heritage bank for 131 years, constantly renewing ourselves,” Ijabiyi said. “When this opportunity came, who else could bring the first E1 GP to Nigeria but First Bank?”
The bank hosted visitors at the First Bank Pavilion, where guests experienced interactive displays, lifestyle showcases, and entertainment that highlighted Lagos’ creative energy. The event fused technology, culture, and environmental consciousness—key elements of First Bank’s brand identity.
Ijabiyi noted that the championship was a net-zero emission event, emphasizing the bank’s dedication to environmental responsibility. “We are strong on sustaining the environment and supporting a cleaner, greener future,” he said.
The sponsorship, he added, aligned with the bank’s #FirstBankDecemberIssaVybe campaign, which celebrates Nigeria’s entertainment and lifestyle culture each festive season. “This is just a taste of what’s to come—fun, fashion, food, and amazing experiences,” he said.
The Sunday finale saw Team Brazil emerge champions, with pilots Timmy Hansen and Leva Millere-Hagin securing victory ahead of Team Blue Rising and Team Drogba.
As the sun set over the Lagoon, the event closed with a vibrant celebration of music, lights, and cheers—a moment that captured the essence of Lagos: energetic, innovative, and forward-looking.
Through its sponsorship of the E1 Lagos Grand Prix, First Bank reaffirmed its reputation as more than a financial institution—positioning itself as a driver of innovation, sustainability, and national pride.
