First Bank of Nigeria’s Strategic Sponsorship of E1 Lagos Grand Prix
Acting Group Head of Marketing and Corporate Communications at First Bank of Nigeria, Olayinka Ijabiyi, has provided insight into the bank’s rationale for supporting the E1 Lagos Grand Prix. He described the event as a perfect fusion of innovation, sustainability, and excitement—values that align with the bank’s 131-year legacy.
During an interview at the conclusion of the E1 Lagos GP held on Victoria Island, Lagos, Ijabiyi emphasized that the decision to sponsor Africa’s first-ever all-electric powerboat race was rooted in the bank’s heritage of constant reinvention and leadership in driving progress across various sectors.
“Innovation, sustainability, excitement, speed—we are a heritage bank that has been around for 131 years, and for every one of those years, we have constantly renewed ourselves,” he said.
“When this (E1) opportunity presented itself, who else could bring the first GP to Nigeria but First Bank? We presented Lagos and Nigeria to the world, and it has been such an exciting experience,” he added.
Ijabiyi highlighted that the event showcased Lagos’ potential for hosting world-class sports, tourism, and lifestyle experiences.
“It’s been amazing to see this kind of magic happen here in Lagos—the crowd, the energy, the fun. This sport is a great sport, and First Bank is super glad and delighted to have been the sponsor of this event.”
A Legacy of Sports Support
First Bank has a long-standing tradition of supporting athletics across generations. The bank has been involved in the sporting space for over 60 years, backing basketball, football, and other traditional sports.
“We’ve been in the sporting space for decades, over 60 years supporting basketball, football, and other traditional sports. We have a female basketball team and a male football team in the Nigerian leagues,” he explained.
“But we’re also evolving, going electric, going sustainable. That’s why E1 made perfect sense. It’s not just sport, it’s clean, green innovation,” he added.
Commitment to Sustainability
Ijabiyi emphasized that First Bank’s commitment to sustainability guided its involvement in the E1 race. He noted that the event produced zero emissions.
“This race is a net-zero emitter. We’re very strong on sustaining the environment and supporting a cleaner, greener future,” he said.
Future Plans and Events
Looking ahead, Ijabiyi mentioned that First Bank plans to continue its support for lifestyle and entertainment events as the festive season approaches.
“December is the vibe. We’re in the Ember months, and this is just a taste of what’s to come—fun, fashion, food, and lots of lifestyle events. It’s going to be amazing,” he stated.
Conclusion
The E1 Lagos Grand Prix has not only demonstrated the city’s capability to host global events but also reinforced First Bank’s role as a leader in promoting sustainable and innovative initiatives. Through its sponsorship, the bank has aligned itself with a vision that bridges tradition and modernity, setting a new benchmark for corporate responsibility and community engagement.
