By Charles Pemu 
AQUATIC SPECTACLE!
Lagos, Nigeria – The waters of the Lagos Lagoon were transformed into a world-class arena of speed and sustainable innovation this weekend, as the state successfully hosted the inaugural African leg of the E1 Electric Powerboat Championship, the E1 Lagos Grand Prix (GP). The historic event concluded with Team Brazil soaring to a thrilling victory on Sunday, while a packed waterfront celebrated the city’s global debut.
The two-day spectacle, often described as the “Formula One of the seas,” was lauded by Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, as a major success for tourism, economic growth, and the state’s blue economy agenda.
In a dramatic final race, Team Brazil, owned by tech entrepreneur Marcelo Claure and piloted by the formidable duo of Timmy Hansen and Leva Millere-Hagin, clinched their first victory of the series. They expertly navigated the challenging course on the Victoria Island Lagoon, beating Team Blue Rising (owned by Indian cricket icon Virat Kohli) which finished second.
The most exciting result for the African continent came with Team Drogba Global Africa, co-owned by football legend Didier Drogba and Gabrielle Lemaire, securing a prestigious third-place podium finish on home turf.
Speaking to journalists after the race, Governor Sanwo-Olu emphasized the far-reaching impact of the event. “Hosting the E1 series is not just about sport; it is a bold step for innovation, environmental responsibility, and putting Lagos on the global map for future-focused development,” the Governor stated.
“Lagos has now joined world-class cities like Monaco, Venice, and Jeddah on the global E1 circuit, demonstrating the state’s readiness to compete on the world stage,” he added.
Drogba: “The Perfect Stage”
Ivory Coast football icon, Didier Drogba, was on hand to celebrate his team’s success and the successful staging of the first-ever E1 race in Africa.
Earlier in the week, Drogba had described Lagos as “the perfect stage for the future of water racing in Africa,” stating that bringing the race to the continent was a primary goal for his team. The event, which promotes gender equality by requiring one male and one female pilot per team, also resonates with the continent’s youthful demographic and its push for sustainability.
“We want people to discover our culture, to discover our history. That’s why Lagos is a good choice, because it’s a vibrant city,” Drogba had commented, underscoring the tourism and cultural element of the race.
A $100 Million Boost for the ‘Aquatic Splendour’
The E1 Lagos GP was more than just high-speed action; it was an economic catalyst. Lagos State officials had projected that the event would inject an estimated US$100 million into the Nigerian economy.
The influx of international participants and spectators had a noticeable ripple effect, with hotels in Victoria Island, Ikoyi, and Lekki reporting a surge in bookings. Local Organising Committee (LOC) Chairman, Mr. Sam Egube, highlighted that the event provided a “global showcase for Lagos’ culture, energy, and economic potential,” signaling “economic opportunity, tourism growth, and global prestige.”
The Commissioner for Tourism, Arts and Culture, Mrs. Toke Benson-Awoyinka, expressed optimism that the influx of tourists would significantly boost the local economy, urging those in the hospitality and artisan industries to tap into the massive opportunity.
The success of the E1 Lagos Grand Prix firmly establishes Lagos’ reputation as Africa’s “City of Aquatic Splendour” and a premier global destination for sport, technology, and entertainment. With the Governor committing to making the E1 race a permanent fixture, the world can expect more thrilling action on the Lagos Lagoon for years to come.