First Bank explains bold move behind sponsoring E1 Lagos Grand Prix
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“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.
Acting Group Head of Marketing and Corporate Communications at First Bank of Nigeria, Olayinka Ijabiyi, has explained the bank’s motivation for sponsoring the E1 Lagos Grand Prix.
He described the event as a perfect blend of First Bank’s innovation, sustainability, and excitement, values that align with the bank’s 131-year legacy.
Speaking in an interview at the conclusion of the E1 Lagos GP held on Victoria Island, Lagos, Ijabiyi said the bank’s decision to sponsor Africa’s first-ever all-electric powerboat race stemmed from its heritage of constant reinvention and leadership in promoting progress across 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 added 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.”
On the bank’s broader involvement in sports, Ijabiyi noted that First Bank has a long-standing tradition of supporting athletics across generations.
“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,” hhe 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.
He emphasised that First Bank’s commitment to sustainability guided its involvement in the E1 race, noting 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.
Looking ahead, Ijabiyi said 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.
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