Lagos, Nigeria – Get ready for a jolt of electrifying excitement. The vibrant metropolis of Lagos is set to make waves as it prepares to host the prestigious E1 World Championship next September. Top officials from the all-electric race boat competition arrived in Lagos on Monday, Embarking on an important review of the locality’s wide-ranging aquatic facilities to guarantee a well-organized and captivating race.
African football legend and former Chelsea striker, Didier Drogba, led the E1 delegation’s arrival at the State House, Marina, where Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu warmly received them. A key figure in the E1 sport’s expansion into Africa, Drogba brings significant influence and support to the project. Accompanying him was a distinguished team, including Marlene Ngoyi Mvidia, Chief Executive Officer of the Fund for Export Development in Africa (FEDA), a subsidiary of Afrexim Bank. Also present were Alejandro Agag, Chairman of E1 Racing, and Pablo Agag, Strategic Advisor, all playing crucial roles in advancing the initiative.
The E1 World Championship isn’t just about high-octane racing; it’s about igniting opportunities for talented young Africans, particularly those with a passion for water sports. The competition has already garnered significant interest from global sports icons, including Tennis legend Rafael Nadal and NBA superstar LeBron James.
Governor Sanwo-Olu expressed immense enthusiasm for Lagos’ selection as host, this presents a distinct chance to showcase the city’s dynamism and commitment to sustainability. He confidently assured the organizers that Lagos is fully prepared to host the world-class event, emphasizing the state’s robust manpower and infrastructure capable of accommodating athletes, visitors, and the influx of global attention.
Lagos State’s partnership with the French Development Bank aims to upgrade the waterways and transition public ferries from fossil fuel-based power to electric propulsion. “We intend to make Lagos set a trend as an African model city, so this goes beyond being a global city. We are building a city where global corporations can come and capitalize on the immense opportunities available here,” Governor Sanwo-Olu stated. He also emphasized the state government’s strong commitment to sustainable development.
The Governor revealed that Lagos recently hosted a delegation from Formula One, who were evaluating the city’s traffic flow and transportation infrastructure. This, he asserted, demonstrates the growing interest in Lagos from major international organizations. “We are growing and building the city in an organized, yet highly proactive manner,” Governor Sanwo-Olu explained, “because we see Lagos as a vital part of the global community in entertainment and innovation. Lagos is surrounded by water and has ample space to manage the logistics of an event of this scale. Participants and visitors will be captivated by our warm environment and the unique hospitality Lagos offers.”
Governor Sanwo-Olu praised the organizers’ choice of Didier Drogba as the face of the tournament, acknowledging his influence not only in football but also in talent development across Africa. “Drogba is an inspiration, an icon whose name opens doors,” he said, expressing gratitude to Afrexim Bank and the E1 Racing team for their visionary initiative.
Drogba shared that discussions about bringing electric boat racing to Africa began in Riyadh, where his team first connected with E1 Racing. He emphasized his particular interest in the sport’s sustainability aspect, highlighting the continent’s need for positive change. “When we discussed this new sport, we knew Africa had to be a part of it,” Drogba explained. “We want to be involved and see how we can make it work. We are invested in the sustainability aspect, because I know our continent is looking for the changes we need to implement.”
Drogba believes his platform can be used to amplify the sport’s impact across Africa. “In my position as a public figure in Africa, I think I can use my influence to make this sport impactful,” he stated. “Whether it’s for sustainability or inspiring young athletes and even the older generation, we will use our position to show that anything is possible. Africa has some of the best athletes in the world, and I believe Lagos is ready to compete. We are here to secure the government’s support, because we need to start this venture strong. We need to send a message to the world: this competition is here in Lagos, and we can replicate it anywhere.”