Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu welcomed global attention on Friday as the historic E1 Lagos Grand Prix, sponsored by FirstBank am others, opened at the Boat Club in Ikoyi, marking Africa’s first all-electric powerboat race.
The opening ceremony drew global attention with a parade of teams, cultural displays and the unveiling of RaceBird electric boats. Fans, government officials, sports stars and innovators joined the celebration.
Mr Sanwo-Olu described the championship as a turning point for Nigeria and Africa. He said Lagos had become the first city on the continent to host the futuristic sport.
“This is more than just a race; it is about creativity, sustainability and global competitiveness,” the governor said. He added that Lagos was ready to host more international sporting events, including Formula 1, in the future.
Sanwo-Olu thanked residents and sponsors for their support. He said the event would create jobs, inspire young people and strengthen the state’s blue economy.
Qualifying races will hold on Saturday, while the main Grand Prix takes place on Sunday. Organisers expect packed galleries and millions of viewers worldwide.
John Marlow, co-team principal of Team Alula, co-owned by basketball star LeBron James, said the Lagos debut was both historic and inspiring. He praised the city as a global sporting destination.
“Every race gives us more data, more skills and more confidence. Our ambition is not just to participate but to win,” Marlow said.
The futuristic RaceBird boats, powered entirely by electricity, are the star attraction. Their zero-emission design has made the event as much about sustainability as it is about speed.
Lagos State commissioner for health Prof. Akin Abayomi assured fans and participants of top-level safety. He said medical teams, emergency equipment and rapid response units had been deployed.
“We are committed to safeguarding the pilots and providing them with the best possible medical support,” Abayomi said.
The event coincided with the African Blue Economy Summit held at Eko Atlantic City. Sanwo-Olu used the platform to outline Lagos’ long-term plans for innovation, water transport and climate resilience.
Didier Drogba, former African Footballer of the Year, said bringing the E1 race to Africa had always been a dream. “I am very proud and happy to be in Lagos, because bringing the E1 race to Africa has always been our dream, and Nigeria has proven that it is possible,” he said.
Alejandro Agag, co-founder of the E1 Series, praised Lagos’ efficiency in hosting the championship. He called for continued support to keep the race in Nigeria for the next five years.
The summit also featured climate and maritime experts who commended Lagos for its leadership in advancing sustainable development.
“As proud sponsors of the E1 Lagos GP, we’re not just backing a race; we’re championing a movement. One that celebrates innovation, pushes the boundaries of sustainability, and unleashes the unstoppable Vybes of Lagos onto the global stage,” FirstBank said in a statement on its website.
