Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu has hailed Lagos as the first African city to host the E1 Electric Powerboat Race, describing the milestone as a celebration of clean energy, innovation, and youth empowerment. He also thanked President Tinubu for his support
Sanwo-Olu Hails Lagos as First African Host of E1 Electric Powerboat Race, Calls It a Triumph for Clean Energy and Youth Innovation
Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu on Saturday evening celebrated the city’s historic debut as the first African host of the E1 Electric Powerboat Race, hailing the event as a landmark in clean energy, technological innovation, and youth empowerment.
In a post shared on X (formerly Twitter), the governor thanked President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his goodwill message and reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to sustainability and the blue economy.
“By joining cities like Monaco, London, and Venice on the E1 calendar, Lagos has once again shown that we are bold, resilient, and ready to take our place on the global stage,” Sanwo-Olu said.
The three-day E1 Lagos GP, which began on Friday and concludes on Sunday at the Victoria Island Lagoon, brought together international teams, celebrities, and sports enthusiasts for a groundbreaking showcase of electric-powered racing.
Friday’s opening featured a colourful boat regatta highlighting the vibrancy of Lagos’ waterways, while Saturday’s session delivered high-speed qualifying races filled with adrenaline and precision.
“Lagos truly shone as we hosted the world with warmth, pride, and excitement. I’m proud of everyone who helped make this event a success and of the amazing Lagosians who came out to support,” the governor added.
Sanwo-Olu, who recently addressed the African Blue Economy Summit, reiterated his administration’s vision to harness Lagos’ waterways for transportation, jobs, innovation, and climate resilience.
“Hosting the E1 Lagos GP has shown how water can inspire sport, entertainment, and big ideas in technology and sustainability,” he said, noting ongoing state investments in maritime infrastructure and water transport systems.
Thrilling Action on the Water
In a gripping qualifying session, Team Rafa, owned by tennis legend Rafael Nadal, claimed pole position ahead of Team Brady and Aoki Racing. The standings put Team Rafa at the top with 136 points, narrowly ahead of Team Brady (135), while Aoki Racing followed with 125 points.
Other notable placements included Team Blue Rising (114), Westbrook Racing (82), Team Alula – owned by LeBron James (79), Team Drogba Global Africa (66), and Team Miami (32).
Team Brazil, backed by Claure Group, also earned 51 points.
Global and African Icons Shine
E1 founder and CEO Rodi Basso described the Lagos race as “a defining moment for motorsport in Africa and for the championship’s global expansion.”
“The warm welcome in Lagos has been incredible. The passion of Nigerians made this historic E1 Lagos GP presented by FirstBank possible,” Basso said.
“Our ambition is to build a motorsport legacy in Africa. This weekend’s race is just the beginning, and today’s qualifying offered a thrilling preview of race day.”
Thousands of spectators are expected to flood the Marina waterfront on Sunday as excitement peaks across the city.
African football legend Didier Drogba and partner Gabrielle Lemaire, who played key roles in bringing the E1 Series to Africa, are also in Lagos to support Team Drogba Global Africa.
A New Era for African Motorsport
The E1 Series, sanctioned by the Union Internationale Motonautique (UIM), is the world’s first all-electric powerboat championship. Launched in 2024, the event features hydrofoil-equipped RaceBirds capable of reaching 50 knots (about 93 km/h) while reducing environmental impact.
The 2025 season includes races in Jeddah, Doha, Monaco, and Miami, with Lagos marking Africa’s official debut on the E1 global calendar.
Celebrity-backed teams include Tom Brady, Rafael Nadal, LeBron James, Steve Aoki, Virat Kohli, and Will Smith — a line-up that underscores E1’s mission to blend sport, sustainability, and star power.
As the world’s attention turns to Lagos, Governor Sanwo-Olu says the city has proven itself ready to host global events that fuse entertainment, innovation, and environmental consciousness.
“This is not just about speed or sport — it’s about the future. Lagos has once again shown the world that Africa is ready for innovation on water and beyond,” he concluded. Read More
