There is excitement in Lagos, Nigeria’s economic capital and Centre of Excellence.
Reason: Africa’s first E1 electric boat race will hold in October in the 58-year-old South-West state.
Obviously, Lagos, known as Eko, will make history by hosting Africa’s first-ever E1 Series electric boat racing championship, scheduled for October 4 and 5.
At a press conference held in Lagos, Rodi Basso, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of E1 Series, emphasised Lagos State’ successful bid amidst stiff competition from world-class cities.
To Basso, the achievement “is a major milestone for sport, sustainability and commerce in Africa”.
At the well-attended press conference by Lagos government officials, bank and media chiefs, promoters, sport enthusiasts and others, Basso said: “The ocean is one of nature’s most challenging environments, yet the boating industry is changing. To overcome existing challenges, organisations must redesign and innovate in ways unseen before.
“The E1 Series showcases technical prowess and proves boats can become more sustainable by leveraging alternative power and unique architecture,” he stated.
To have a successful event, the organisers are partnering with the state government
with promises to not only sustain this technology-driven sport but also attract significant investment in the global sport and entertainment sectors.
To Sam Egube, Deputy Chief of Staff to Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu and Chairman of the Local Organising Committee, the event will showcase Lagos cultural vibrancy and economic opportunities.
“For Lagos, the City of Aquatic Splendour, this is proof of capacity. We are hosting an event that merges speed, sustainability, and innovation. It signals economic opportunity, tourism growth, and global prestige,” Egube declared.
“History is happening here. Lagos is racing for the future, for Africa, for the world,” Egube added.
Commissioner for Tourism, Arts and Culture, Toke Benson-Awoyinka, urged local artisans, traders, fishermen and the hospitality industry to seize the economic opportunities the event will bring.
Commissioner for Transportation, Oluwaseun Osiyemi, previewed the upcoming Omi Eko Project, set to deploy 72 electric boats to alleviate traffic congestion and bolster sustainability efforts through alternative water transport.
The governor’s Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Gboyega Akosile, reaffirmed Lagos’ readiness to host global events that spotlight the city, drive revenue, and boost the state’s GDP under the THEMES+ development agenda.
To him, the E1 Series is a game-changing event that will firmly place Lagos on the global sporting and investment map.
Meanwhile, a statement issued by the Commissioner for Information and Strategy,
Gbenga Omotoso, announced Lagos as the first African city to host a race in the prestigious UIM E1 World Championship. The race is organised by PIF (E1) series.
“The landmark opportunity underscores Lagos State’s rising global prominence and its unwavering commitment to pioneering sustainability initiatives and technological advancement.
“Lagos, celebrated for its vibrant culture, burgeoning tech ecosystem, and robust economic growth, will make history by hosting this cutting-edge championship. Its strategic coastal location along the Atlantic Ocean offers an ideal natural arena for the electric racing series, spotlighting Africa’s increasingly vital role in shaping the future of clean technologies.
“Speaking on the epoch-making event, Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu affirmed the significance of the achievement, saying, “Lagos State embodies the spirit of energy, enterprise, and relentless progress. We are immensely proud to partner with the E1 World Championship to bring this groundbreaking event to our shores”.
“This collaboration not only presents a unique opportunity to showcase the dynamism of Lagos to a global audience but also serves as a powerful catalyst for promoting sustainable practices and inspiring our vibrant youths to embrace innovation and environmental stewardship”, Sanwo-Olu said.
Rodi Basso, CEO of E1, highlighted Lagos’s pivotal role in the championship’s expansion during a recent interview with Forbes.com.
His words: “The decision to bring the E1 series to Africa, and specifically to Lagos, marks a significant milestone for the championship. Lagos is a city brimming with potential, a place where innovation thrives and where there is a palpable drive for progress. We recognise the immense opportunity here to not only stage an exciting race but also ignite conversations around sustainable technology and inspire the next generation of environmentally conscious leaders.”
The Lagos State Government is working in close collaboration with the E1 organisation to ensure the seamless execution of this historic event.
Comprehensive preparations are underway, encompassing logistics, robust community engagement initiatives, and the forging of strategic partnerships to maximize the event’s impact and legacy.
Lagos stands poised to welcome the world and demonstrate its leadership in Africa’s transformative era”.
