First Bank of Nigeria Limited has announced its partnership with the E1 Lagos GP, the country’s first-ever all-electric powerboat racing championship scheduled to hold in October 2025.
The bank, in a statement on Monday, explained that the sponsorship aligns with its annual DecemberIssaVybe initiative, which celebrates the vibrant energy of Nigerians during the festive season. The campaign blends culture, entertainment, lifestyle, and now sports, into unique experiences designed to connect with people across generations.
At the E1 Lagos GP Stakeholder Immersion session in Lagos, the Acting Group Head, Marketing and Corporate Communications of FirstBank, Olayinka Ijabiyi, reaffirmed the bank’s dedication to supporting events that drive human development and leave lasting legacies.
“Our involvement in the E1 Lagos GP is about driving legacy and enabling the passions and aspirations that unite Nigerians,” Ijabiyi said. “We are a bank that has been in business for over 131 years, and we recognise that sports drive us as a country. This is why, through our First@Sports initiative, we continue to invest in platforms that inspire and elevate our people. We have supported legacy tournaments such as the Georgian Polo Cup, which we have hosted for 105 years, and the Lagos Amateur Open Golf Championship, which has been running for 64 years.”
Ijabiyi added that FirstBank’s role as presenting partner goes beyond sponsorship. “We are creating meaningful touchpoints with customers and prospects, offering them a world-class experience of relaxation and celebration that captures the true essence of Lagos during the festive season.”
Also speaking at the session, the Lagos State Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Gbenga Omotoso, commended the initiative and stressed its significance for Lagos. He noted that the event would not only grow sports in the country but also showcase the culture, resilience, and global relevance of Lagos. “This competition will put Lagos on the global stage, highlighting our vibrant people and our position as a city of innovation and entertainment,” Omotoso said.
The E1 Lagos GP will feature teams owned by world-renowned athletes and entertainers, including Tom Brady, LeBron James, Didier Drogba, Will Smith, Marc Anthony, Steve Aoki, and Rafael Nadal. These star-studded teams will compete in Lagos before the 2025 season of the electric powerboat competition concludes in Miami, United States.
The introduction of the E1 Lagos GP is seen as a major boost to Nigeria’s sports and entertainment industry, with expectations that it will attract global attention and position Lagos as a hub for innovation-driven sporting events. It also reflects the increasing importance of sustainable sports, as the E1 series is built around environmentally friendly electric-powered boats.
Analysts note that FirstBank’s involvement underscores its continued role as a strong supporter of sports, culture, and lifestyle in Nigeria. With over a century of history in the country, the bank has remained a key player in creating platforms that connect with communities, celebrate traditions, and inspire the next generation.
The Lagos race is expected to draw thousands of spectators, alongside global media coverage, adding another layer of excitement to the city’s vibrant festive calendar. For Lagos residents and international visitors, the championship promises not just competition on water but also music, entertainment, and cultural showcases that highlight the spirit of Nigeria’s commercial capital.
