In a landmark move for sports and tourism in Nigeria, Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu has announced a partnership with football legend Didier Drogba to introduce the E1 World Championship, an all-electric boat racing series, to Lagos. The announcement came after a courtesy visit by representatives of the E1 Racing Team, including Drogba, at the Lagos House in Marina on Monday.
Governor Sanwo-Olu expressed his enthusiasm for the project, highlighting its potential to showcase Lagos as a hub for innovation and entertainment. “We are growing and building the city in an organized yet aggressive manner. We see Lagos as part of the global community in entertainment and innovation,” Sanwo-Olu stated, emphasizing the city’s readiness to host the world-class event. He assured that Lagos has the necessary manpower and infrastructure to host the championship, which is scheduled for September 2025.
Didier Drogba, a revered figure in African football and a key advocate for the E1 sport in Africa, sees this as an opportunity to celebrate African talent in a new arena. “Africa has the best athletes in the world, and I believe Lagos is ready to compete in this sport,” Drogba said, underscoring his commitment to making electric boat racing a success on the continent.
The visit included an exploratory tour of Lagos’s waterways to assess the infrastructure readiness for hosting such an event. The E1 Racing Team, led by Chairman Alejandro Agag and Strategic Adviser Pablo Agag, along with the CEO of Fund for Export Development in Africa (FEDA), Marlene Ngoyi Mvidia, were visibly impressed by the state’s waterway capabilities.
The initiative is not only about sports but also about promoting sustainability. Governor Sanwo-Olu noted that the state is in partnership with the French Development Bank to improve the waterways experience, including plans to transition state-owned ferries from hydrocarbon to electric engines. This aligns with the environmental ethos of the E1 Championship, which uses electric boats to reduce carbon emissions.
The collaboration has sparked excitement on social media, with posts from both the governor’s and Drogba’s official accounts on X detailing the meeting and expressing anticipation for the event. The sentiment online is one of pride and eagerness, with many seeing this as a step towards putting Lagos on the global map for more than just its cultural heritage but also for cutting-edge sports events.
The E1 World Championship’s arrival in Lagos is expected to bring significant benefits, from boosting tourism to providing opportunities for local athletes and enthusiasts to engage in this innovative sport. This partnership also signifies a broader trend of leveraging sports for economic development and community engagement in Africa.
As preparations begin, Lagos is set to not only host a thrilling competition but also to narrate its story of sustainability and progress on an international stage. The event promises to be a celebration of African talent, environmental consciousness, and the vibrant spirit of Lagos.