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Lagos is making history by leveraging its geographical landmark; waterways, and it is proudly presented by FirstBank!
From October 3 – 5, 2025, Africa’s first all-electric powerboat racing championship, E1 Lagos GP, takes to the waterways of Lagos Lagoon.
More than just a sponsorship, this is a bold statement about innovation, sustainability, and culture, values associated with the FirstBank brand.
FirstBank’s involvement is deeply aligned with its over 130-year legacy of supporting sport and culture in Nigeria. Through its First@Sports platform, and its annual DecemberIssaVybe campaign, the brand doesn’t just fund events – it crafts experiences that resonate with Nigerians’ passion, creativity, and pride.
Acting Group Head, Marketing and Corporate Communication of FirstBank, Olayinka Ijabiyi reaffirmed the Bank’s commitment to supporting initiatives that engender human development across the country while cementing legacies.
He said: “Our involvement in the E1 Lagos GP is about driving legacy and enabling the passions and aspirations that unite Nigerians. We are a bank that has been in business for over 131 years, and we recognize that sports drives us as a country, which is why through our First@Sports initiative, we continue to invest in platforms that inspire and elevate our people.
“We have been supporting legacy sport tournaments like the Georgian Polo Cup which we have hosted for 105 years, and the Lagos Amateur Open Golf Championship for 64 years now,” Ijabiyi said.
With the event slated for the start of the fourth quarter, FirstBank is aligning its partnership with the annual DecemberIssaVybe initiative, a campaign that celebrates the vibrant spirit of Nigerians during the festive season by curating unforgettable experiences that blend culture, entertainment and lifestyle.
“FirstBank is deeply woven into the fabric of society and the lives of our customers. 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.
What makes this sponsorship particularly innovative is its intersection of speed and sustainability. E1’s electric RaceBird boats redefine racing, offering an electrified future without compromise.
FirstBank understood early that this is more than entertainment: it’s a showcase for environmentally conscious design, for Lagos to be seen globally not merely as a commercial hub, but as a beacon of innovation.
Culture & Legacy
But FirstBank hasn’t left culture on the sidelines. The event is being woven with Lagos’ distinctive energy — with cultural displays, festive spirit, and creative experiences that reflect the heart and soul of the city. This isn’t just racing; it’s a celebration of who we are.
For FirstBank, the prize isn’t just in logos and visibility. It’s in leaving a lasting legacy: inspiring the next generation, pushing boundaries, building trust, and being part of meaningful change. When the RaceBirds pull away from the dock, what remains will be more than a winner – it will be a moment that stitched together sport, culture, innovation, and identity.
FirstBank is accelerating Nigeria’s journey towards a sustainable and globally connected future.
Enhancing Brand Equity and Customer Engagement
In an increasingly competitive financial services landscape, meaningful customer engagement is a key differentiator. The E1 Lagos GP offers FirstBank a platform to connect with customers and prospects in premium, high-impact settings.
Through tailored hospitality experiences, brand activations, and strategic communication, FirstBank is ensuring that its involvement goes beyond visibility to deliver tangible value to its stakeholders.
By associating with a global event of this scale and uniqueness, the Bank strengthens its brand equity as not only a financial leader but also a socially responsible innovator.
