Sports
Tinubu Lauds Lagos Over E1 electric powerboat championship
President Bola Tinubu has thrown Nigeria’s weight behind clean energy and marine innovation as Lagos made history on Friday, hosting Africa’s first E1 electric powerboat race.
Tinubu in a goodwill message on Friday, quoted in a statement by Lagos Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Gboyega Akosile, praised Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, and the sponsors for bringing the championship to Nigeria, describing it as a milestone for clean energy and marine innovation.
He said Lagos was making history as the first African city to host the E1 championship, joining Monaco, London, Jeddah, and Venice on the global calendar.
“This championship is not merely a thrilling spectacle on water but a statement of intent.
The President linked the event to his administration’s vision for the blue economy, noting that the government is committed to building prosperity around renewable energy, marine tourism, and coastal infrastructure.
“By investing in our coastal infrastructure, marine tourism, and renewable energy, we create jobs, open new opportunities for youth, and strengthen Nigeria’s place in the global community,” he added.
Tinubu, who described himself as a “proud Lagosian,” said the championship affirmed the state’s reputation as a bold and forward-looking city.
He added,”Lagos, the cultural capital of Nigeria, the heartbeat of our economy, and a symbol of our resilience, is the perfect host. Its vibrant waterways and dynamic people embody the spirit of competition, creativity and hospitality.
“I commend Governor Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu, his team, and all partners, particularly the E1 and sponsors of this event, for the vision and hard work that made this possible.”
At the opening ceremony held at the Lagos Boat Club in Ikoyi, Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu disclosed that Tinubu, currently in Lagos, had expressed excitement about the event and would watch the final race on Sunday from his Ikoyi residence.
The opening day featured a boat regatta led by Sanwo-Olu and state officials, followed by shakedown runs by the competing teams ahead of the weekend races.
Sanwo-Olu said the competition was not only about sports but also a platform to showcase Lagos’ capacity for global events and sustainability.
“For us in Lagos, the E1 Lagos GP, the first to be held in Africa, is a befitting accolade to a sports-loving people and a government that knows the place of sports in human development.
“E1 Lagos GP is more than a race; it is a celebration of Lagos’ dynamism. The Spirit of Lagos. Besides, it is a vivid testimony of our growing influence and energy,” the governor said.
Iwobi spoke to Tidesports source ahead of Nigeria’s crunch playoff semi-final against Gabon on Thursday, November 13, in Rabat, Morocco.
The 28-year-old was reacting to Nigeria’s shaky World Cup qualifying campaign that saw the Eagles finish second in Group C behind South Africa’s Bafana Bafana.
“We’ve managed to rescue ourselves from the dead,” Iwobi told Tidesports source.
We know we have the players and the abilities to compete against any other country in the world.”
The Fulham star pointed to Nigeria’s star power, highlighting African Footballer of the Year winners Ademola Lookman and Victor Osimhen as proof of the squad’s quality.
“We have last year’s African best player (Ademola Lookman), the year before that (Victor Osimhen),” he said.
“It’ll be a shame if we don’t make it, but we have a lot of confidence. We just have to prove it to ourselves.”
Nigeria’s path to the United States, Canada and Mexico has been turbulent, with two coaches departing during the early stages of qualifying before Éric Chelle steadied the ship to steer the Super Eagles into November’s CAF playoffs.
Four nations from the continent – Nigeria, Cameroon, DR Congo and Gabon – will vie for a solitary spot to compete in next March’s inter-confederation playoffs, with a view to joining the already nine qualified African nations at the Finals.
It would mark Iwobi’s second appearance at the World Cup Finals and the Super Eagles’ first since the 2018 edition of the competition.
Back then, Iwobi featured in all three games as Nigeria was knocked out in the group stage.
The Chief Executive Officer(CEO) and Publisher of the Atlantic Bell Online medium, Mr. Celestine Ogolo has advised sports writers in Nigeria to diversify in sports writing and not to concentrate on football reporting alone.
The Deputy National President of Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN) Mr. Bonny Nyong has expressed commitment to support sports development and move SWAN forward.
