FirstBank Partners With E1 Lagos GP to Champion Sports and Culture

First Bank of Nigeria Limited has entered into a strategic partnership with the organizers of the E1 Lagos GP, marking the introduction of the first all-electric powerboat racing championship in Lagos, scheduled to occur from October 3rd to 5th, 2025.

This collaboration is reflective of FirstBank’s commitment to sports and human development, consistent with its historical support for significant sporting events and its DecemberIssaVybe initiative, which celebrates Nigerian culture and lifestyle.

The event will feature teams owned by prominent global figures, including Tom Brady, LeBron James, Didier Drogba, Will Smith, Marc Anthony, Steve Aoki, and Rafael Nadal. Notably, the Lagos race will serve as a precursor to the season finale taking place in Miami, USA.

During the E1 Lagos GP Stakeholder Immersion session held recently in Lagos, Olayinka Ijabiyi, the Acting Group Head of Marketing and Corporate Communication at FirstBank, underscored the institution’s enduring dedication to initiatives that promote human development and contribute to the national legacy.

“Our involvement in the E1 Lagos GP is about driving legacy and enabling the passions and aspirations that unite Nigerians,” Ijabiyi said. “As a bank with over 131 years of history, we understand the power of sports in shaping society. Through our First@Sports initiative, we continue to invest in platforms that inspire and elevate our people.”

FirstBank’s sports legacy includes over a century of support for the Georgian Polo Cup and 64 years of hosting the Lagos Amateur Open Golf Championship. The bank is aligning its E1 Lagos GP partnership with its annual DecemberIssaVybe campaign, which celebrates the festive spirit of Nigerians through curated experiences blending culture, entertainment, and lifestyle.

“As presenting partner, we are creating meaningful touchpoints with customers and prospects, offering a world-class experience that reflects the true essence of Lagos during the festive season,” Ijabiyi added.

Lagos State Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Gbenga Omotoso, lauded the initiative, noting its potential to boost sports development while showcasing Lagos’s vibrant culture and global relevance.

The Lagos leg of the championship will feature teams owned by global icons, including Tom Brady, LeBron James, Didier Drogba, Will Smith, Marc Anthony, Steve Aoki, and Rafael Nadal. The 2025 season will conclude in Miami, USA.