Lagos State is preparing to make history by hosting Africa’s first-ever E1 Series electric boat racing championship, scheduled for October 4 and 5, 2025.
As reported by Arise TV, this milestone was highlighted during a press parley on Monday, where Rodi Basso, Chief Executive Officer of the E1 Series, emphasised Lagos’ successful bid amidst stiff competition from world-class cities.
Describing the achievement as “a major milestone for sport, sustainability, and commerce in Africa,” Basso spoke about the evolving nature of the boating industry.
“The ocean is one of nature’s most challenging environments, yet the boating industry is changing. To overcome existing challenges, organisations must redesign and innovate in ways unseen before.
“The E1 Series showcases technical prowess and proves boats can become more sustainable by leveraging alternative power and unique architecture,” he stated.
The partnership with the Lagos State Government promises to not only sustain this technology-driven sport but also attract significant investment in the global sport and entertainment sectors.
Sam Egube, Deputy Chief of Staff to Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu and Chairman of the Local Organising Committee, expressed optimism about the event’s potential to showcase Lagos’ cultural vibrancy and economic opportunities.
“For Lagos, the City of Aquatic Splendour, this is proof of capacity. We are hosting an event that merges speed, sustainability, and innovation. It signals economic opportunity, tourism growth, and global prestige,” Egube declared.
This championship aligns closely with Governor Sanwo-Olu’s commitment to sustainability, marine transport innovation, and global climate action.
“History is happening here. Lagos is racing for the future, for Africa, for the world,” Egube added.
Commissioner for Tourism, Arts and Culture, Toke Benson-Awoyinka, urged local artisans, traders, fishermen, and the hospitality industry to seize the economic opportunities the event will bring.
Commissioner for Transportation, Oluwaseun Osiyemi, previewed the upcoming Omi Eko Project, set to deploy 72 electric boats to alleviate traffic congestion and bolster sustainability efforts through alternative water transport.
The governor’s Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Gboyega Akosile, reaffirmed Lagos’ readiness to host global events that spotlight the city, drive revenue, and boost the state’s GDP under the THEMES+ development agenda. Veteran sports journalists also hailed the E1 Series as a game-changing event that will firmly place Lagos on the global sporting and investment map.
Recall that the governor on July 20, shared via his X account, his firsthand experience at a recent E1 event in Monaco, praising how innovation and bold ideas merge to create groundbreaking sporting experiences.
Sanwo-Olu emphasised that hosting the championship affirms Lagos’ readiness to join global conversations on clean energy, sustainability, and innovative marine transport.
He also highlighted the broader cultural and economic significance of the event as a platform to showcase Lagos’ unique energy and draw international visitors, marking a new chapter in the city’s global profile.
