FirstBank of Nigeria has hailed the success of the E1 Lagos Grand Prix, describing its sponsorship of the first-ever electric powerboat race in Africa as a celebration of innovation, sustainability and the Lagos spirit.
The event began with the opening ceremony on Friday, followed by the first races on Saturday and concluded on Sunday at the Oriental Hotel waterfront in Lagos.
On Friday, FirstBank expressed excitement ahead of the race, describing the E1 Lagos Grand Prix as a showcase of creativity and global innovation.
By Sunday, the bank shared pictures from the opening ceremony on its social media pages with the caption: “The E1 Lagos GP opening ceremony showed the E1 series team exactly what we mean when we say ‘This is Lagos’. It was a gathering that celebrated innovation, sustainability and Lagos spirit, setting the perfect tone for an unforgettable race weekend.”
Sharing more photos later that day, the bank wrote, “Day 1 of the E1 Lagos GP was nothing short of electrifying! Global stakeholders came together with a shared mission: driving innovation for a sustainable future. Day 2 is set to turn up the excitement.”
On Monday, after the event ended, FirstBank posted a video compilation of moments from the race with the caption: “It was a one-of-a-kind experience at the E1 Lagos GP. Lagos turned up for this iconic event. FirstBank is proud to be a part of this partnership celebrating innovation, sustainability, sports and the Lagos spirit.”
The financial institution had earlier said its sponsorship of the E1 Lagos GP aligns with its commitment to promoting innovation and sustainable progress, adding that the partnership reflects its continued support for global initiatives that spotlight Nigeria’s potential.
Among those in attendance at the event were Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, FirstBank’s Managing Director/CEO Olusegun Alebiosu, Didier Drogba, Wyclef Jean, Bolanle Austen-Peters, Hannatu Musawa, Segun Arinze, Gbenga Adeyinka and Michael Ejoor.
Governor Sanwo-Olu presented the trophy to Team Brazil, who emerged winners of the Lagos race. He congratulated the team on Instagram, saying the event demonstrated Lagos’ commitment to innovation, clean energy and sustainable development.
Team Brazil’s drivers, Timmy Hansen and Leva Millere-Hagin, claimed victory after defeating Team Blue Rising and Team Drogba in the final.
The Lagos Grand Prix was part of the global UIM E1 World Championship, the world’s first all-electric powerboat series. It marked the competition’s debut in Africa, joining host cities such as Jeddah, Venice and Monaco.
