First Bank of Nigeria Limited has announced its support for the debut edition of the E1 Lagos GP, a first-of-its-kind all-electric powerboat racing championship scheduled to take place in October 2025.
In a statement issued on Monday, the bank explained that its partnership with the E1 Lagos GP is aligned with its DecemberIssaVybe initiative, an annual campaign that celebrates the energy and creativity of Nigerians during the festive season by blending culture, lifestyle, and entertainment.
At the E1 Lagos GP Stakeholder Immersion session held in Lagos, Olayinka Ijabiyi, Acting Group Head of Marketing and Corporate Communication at FirstBank, reaffirmed the bank’s commitment to initiatives that foster human development while leaving lasting legacies. According to him, FirstBank’s involvement in the championship represents more than sponsorship; it reflects the bank’s mission of enabling passions and aspirations that bring Nigerians together.
“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 existence for more than 131 years, and we understand the unifying power of sports. Through our First@Sports initiative, we have consistently invested in platforms that inspire and elevate our people. For over a century, we have backed legacy sporting events like the Georgian Polo Cup, which we have hosted for 105 years, as well as the Lagos Amateur Open Golf Championship, which has run for 64 years.”
He further emphasized that FirstBank is deeply embedded in Nigerian society and remains committed to creating experiences that resonate with customers and communities. “As presenting partner, 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,” he added.
Lagos State Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Gbenga Omotoso, also praised the initiative, noting its significance in both sports and tourism. He described the E1 Lagos GP as a platform that will not only elevate water sports in Nigeria but also highlight Lagos’s dynamic culture, vibrant people, and growing global relevance. Omotoso commended FirstBank for its forward-looking support, saying it would contribute to the broader growth of sports and cultural promotion in the state.
The Lagos event is set to feature teams owned by some of the world’s biggest sports and entertainment personalities, including American football legend Tom Brady, basketball superstar LeBron James, Ivorian football icon Didier Drogba, Hollywood actor Will Smith, singer Marc Anthony, DJ and producer Steve Aoki, and tennis champion Rafael Nadal. The Lagos GP will serve as one of the key highlights of the 2025 E1 season, which will later conclude in Miami, United States.
With the backing of FirstBank, the E1 Lagos GP is expected to blend world-class sporting competition with cultural celebration, positioning Lagos as a global destination for innovation, sports, and lifestyle experiences. The bank believes the event will not only thrill spectators but also showcase Nigeria’s capacity to host world-class events that leave lasting impressions both locally and internationally.
