By Princely Onyenwe
At the ongoing E1 Lagos GP championship hosted by Lagos state government under His Excellency Babajide Sanwo-Olu, participants from across the countries of the world including some Nigerian states were in attendance.
In the process as scheduled, Lagos State Nigeria kicked off the boat regatta festival, saturday, with a vibrant boat regatta that showcased the beauty and energy of Lagos on the water. Meanwhile, Lagos had the qualifying trials and races, and they were exciting to watch.
Governor Babajide in his opening remarks on the water ways captured by 9News Nigeria was that the action on the water was pure skill, speed, and teamwork on display in Lagos Nigeria.
“Lagos truly shone as we hosted the world with warmth, pride, and excitement. I’m proud of everyone who helped make this event a success and of the amazing Lagosians who came out to support.
Today, Sunday will be the finals and Lagos state is positioned to led other water ways across the state of the Federation after this super match.
Some participants interviewed during the festival said, the boat regatta in Lagos State will certainly help encourage more people to participate in boat races, thereby helping them with the skills to compete on the world stage. The sport should be supported so it flourishes, and it is amazing that you are doing just that. I wish the participants success and luck.
Continuing, “I remember watching this boat regatta on CNN couple of months back. I was literally asking my wife why can’t we host or participate in some beautiful sport events like this.
I’m really impressed and amazed that The Lagos State Government led by His Excellency Babajide Sanwo-Olu can make this happen in our country. Keep making Africa proud, a delightful guest told 9News Nigeria.
Micheal told the press that the Cross River State government and other state Governors across the waterways should consider a boat competition like this along the marina corridor to spice up the festivals in respective states mostly the Calabar festival.
Abiodun Justice added , “It’s not about building Seaport, the secrets are:
- Consistent political structure by PBAT.
- Good architecture security structure by PBAT.
- Continous infrastructural development.
Follow who know road with vision.
This boat regatta festival is inline with the 2025 blue economic summit holding in Lagos state Nigeria.
Host Governor Sanwo-Olu told the press at the African Blue Economy Summit in Lagos, that he shared his belief that Nigerian waterways hold the key to the city’s future.
“The ocean is not just our heritage, it is our opportunity for jobs, innovation, transport, and resilience against climate change.
“Hosting the E1 Lagos GP championship this week has shown how water can inspire not only sport and entertainment, but also big ideas in technology and sustainability.
“Lagos is ready to lead Africa in building a blue economy that works for people today and protects the planet for tomorrow. Our investments in water transport, maritime infrastructure, and climate adaptation are only the beginning.
“It was inspiring to hear voices from across Africa and beyond acknowledge Lagos as a hub for innovation and sustainability. Together, we can make our continent’s natural capital a source of growth, pride, and shared prosperity.
Lagos has made history as the first African city to host the E1 electric powerboat race, the E1 Lagos GP.
He continued, “This speaks to the future we are building, one of clean energy, innovation, and opportunities for our young people.
I thank H.E President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his goodwill message and his reminder of Nigeria’s commitment to sustainability and the blue economy.
By joining cities like Monaco, London, and Venice on the E1 calendar, Lagos has once again shown that we are bold, resilient, and ready to take our place on the global stage.
Some experts in this blue industry posited that “While the blue economy holds promise, we must be cautious about its potential impact on our environment and communities. Over-exploitation of marine resources, pollution, and climate change can have devastating consequences.
“We need to prioritize sustainable practices, protect our marine ecosystems, and ensure that the benefits of the blue economy are shared equitably among all stakeholders. Let’s not forget the importance of preserving our natural heritage for future generations.”
Of a truth, the E1 electric power boat used at this boat racing festival was a showcase of one among the beauties Nigeria holds. Imo alongside other states as earlier highlighted are expected to key into this feat established by Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos state to improve their water ways and synchronize this modus operandi targetted at installation of E1 speed boats and E1 electric shuttle cars across Nigerian state just as Lagos is leading.
No doubt, The finale stage of year 2025 E1 Boat Regatta Festival in Lagos will showcase award presentations, exchange of pleasantries, empowerment support, donations followed with a red carpet dinner, as our corespondents report.
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