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Waves of Innovation: How First Bank turned Lagos into Africa’s Electric Playground

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Waves of Innovation: How First Bank turned Lagos into Africa’s Electric Playground

By Kazeem Ugbodaga

The Lagos Lagoon glistened in shades of blue and gold as electric powerboats sliced through the water, cheered on by an ecstatic crowd that lined Victoria Island’s waterfront from Saturday, 3 October to Sunday, 5 October. For two unforgettable days, Lagos became Africa’s capital of clean energy, glamour, and innovation, all powered by First Bank of Nigeria, the sponsor of the continent’s first-ever E1 Lagos Grand Prix.

From the rhythmic sounds of Afrobeats echoing across the Marina to the sight of sleek, futuristic boats gliding silently on water, the E1 Lagos GP was more than a race, it was a celebration of Lagos’ vibrant spirit and Nigeria’s march towards sustainability.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, in a goodwill message, hailed the event as a bold statement of intent by Nigeria and Lagos, praising Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, First Bank, and other partners for delivering a world-class spectacle.

“The E1 Powerboat series combines world-class entertainment with clean energy innovation. This championship is not just a thrilling spectacle on water but a commitment to a greener and more sustainable future,” the president had said at the opening ceremony of the great event on Friday, 3 October.

He described Lagos as “a gateway to innovation, technology, and global sporting excellence,” affirming the nation’s readiness to lead Africa’s transition to clean energy.

Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, who led the regatta that opened the event, described the championship as a proud moment for Lagos and a reflection of its global potential.

“E1 Lagos GP is more than a race; it is a celebration of Lagos’ dynamism, the Spirit of Lagos,” the governor said, adding that “It shows our capacity to host world-class events and underscores our commitment to sustainability.”

Crowds thronged the Lagos Lagoon and fan zones, having fun, snapping selfies, and soaking in the festive atmosphere. International sports icons, investors, and fans came from across the world, including former Chelsea and Ivory Coast football legend Didier Drogba, co-owner of Team Drogba Global Africa, who added a touch of celebrity magic to the weekend.

For First Bank of Nigeria, the event was not just about sports, it was about making history. Acting Group Head of Marketing and Corporate Communications, Olayinka Ijabiyi, said sponsoring the E1 Lagos GP reflected the bank’s heritage of innovation and renewal.

“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,” Ijabiyi said, saying that “When this opportunity came, who else could bring the first E1 GP to Nigeria but First Bank? We are proud to have presented Lagos and Nigeria to the world.”

At the First Bank Pavilion, visitors enjoyed interactive experiences, lifestyle engagements, and product showcases, while music, fashion, and food added a distinctly Lagos flavour. Families and young professionals mingled with entrepreneurs, all celebrating a fusion of technology, culture, and sustainability, hallmarks of the bank’s brand identity.

“This race is a net-zero emitter,” Ijabiyi added. “We are strong on sustaining the environment and supporting a cleaner, greener future. It’s innovation meeting responsibility.”

The E1 partnership also connects with the bank’s #FirstBankDecemberIssaVybe series, an annual celebration of entertainment and lifestyle that lights up Nigeria’s festive season. “December is the Vybe,” Ijabiyi teased. “This is just a taste of what’s to come-fun, fashion, food, and amazing experiences.”

The finale on Sunday was nothing short of electrifying as Team Brazil claimed victory, with pilots Timmy Hansen and Leva Millere-Hagin steering their electric boat to glory, beating Team Blue Rising and Team Drogba to the podium.

As the sun set over the Lagoon, the waterfront transformed into a sea of lights and cheers, a moment that captured the heart of Lagos: energetic, ambitious, and always ready to lead.

With its sponsorship of the E1 Lagos Grand Prix, First Bank once again proved that it is more than a financial institution, it is a lifestyle brand championing innovation, sustainability, and national pride.

In the words of Latoya Johnson, a Lagosian who attended the event: “I grew up knowing First Bank as the reliable one. Seeing them behind something this big makes me proud. They’re not just banking our money, they’re banking our future.”

From clean energy to cultural celebration, from racing boats to smiling faces, the E1 Lagos GP was a powerful reminder that when innovation meets tradition, the result is pure magic.

Waves of Innovation: How First Bank turned Lagos into Africa’s Electric Playground
By Kazeem Ugbodaga

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ONDO EAST-WEST FEDERAL CONSTITUENCY APC ADOPTS OTUNBA BOLA FISAYO

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ONDO EAST-WEST FEDERAL CONSTITUENCY APC ADOPTS OTUNBA BOLA FISAYO

 

Ahead of APC House of Representatives Election scheduled for Saturday 16th of May 2026, Ondo EAST-WEST Federal Constituency stakeholders have adopted Otunba Bola Olawafisayo as its flagbearer.

 

Rising from the stakeholders’ meeting held at Harmony Estate in Ondo city, a source close to Otunba Bola Olawafisayo disclosed that arrangements have been perfect and party members will formally adopt Otunba Bola Olawafisayo on Saturday the very day slated very for the primary.

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Excitement as Zamfara Under Governor Lawal Begins Airlift of Pilgrims at Zamfara Airport

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Excitement as Zamfara Under Governor Lawal Begins Airlift of Pilgrims at Zamfara Airport

 

There is palpable excitement in Zamfara State as the administration of Governor Dauda Lawal officially commenced the 2026 Hajj airlift for pilgrims from the Gusau Airport (GIA). In a historic move aimed at easing the pilgrimage process, the state government announced that the first batch of pilgrims who departed for the Holy Land today, Friday, 15th May 2026.

This milestone marks the fulfillment of Governor Lawal’s promise to make direct departures from Zamfara a reality, eliminating the need for pilgrims to travel to other states for airlift. However, the state government has issued a strict advisory to the public regarding conduct at the airport. To ensure security and facilitate the smooth coordination of the airlift operations, escorting pilgrims to the airport is strictly prohibited.

Family members and friends wishing to bid farewell to their loved ones are directed to do so only at the Hajj Camp. The restriction, according to officials, is a necessary measure to prevent congestion and maintain order at the airport premises. Officials confirm that the airlift is now underway at Gusau International Airport. The development has been met with widespread praise from intending pilgrims, who expressed relief at being able to begin their spiritual journey directly from their home state.

The Zamfara State Government extended its sincere gratitude to Governor Lawal for his commitment, emphasizing that the direct airlift reflects a new chapter of convenience and efficiency for the state’s annual Hajj operations.

 

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Dr. Chris Okafor Declares Grace Nation Is In The Season Of Signs And Wonders

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Dr. Chris Okafor Declares Grace Nation Is In The Season Of Signs And Wonders

…Reaffirm that when disobedience occurs, God’s Kingdom withdraws; serving with sincerity and fervor leads to triumph

~By Sunday Adeyemi

 

The metamorphosis of Grace Nation into a terrestrial paradise is palpable, with multifaceted miracles manifesting daily, as it has evolved from a church into a comprehensive movement where the all-powerful hand of God operates in diverse dimensions

The 14th of May 2026 midweek Prophetic Healing Deliverance and Solutions service was a testament to the power of faith, witnessing remarkable displays of miraculous healings, deliverances, and solutions. God’s omnipresent hand was visibly manifest, touching lives and restoring health, notably in the case of a man afflicted with body pains for 26 years, who, after being prayed for by the Generational Prophet, experienced instantaneous relief.

During the midweek service, a notable miracle took place when an 11-year-old boy who was born mute spoke for the first time. Furthermore, a woman carrying twins for an extraordinary period of 2 years was suddenly delivered; labor ensued immediately after she received prayer, necessitating her hospitalization. In a stunning display of divine intervention, growth ceased, and a woman testified to the efficacy of the Generational Prophet’s prayers, which had been offered on her behalf a few weeks earlier. Specifically, her business-related struggles seemed insurmountable until her tricycle, which had lain dormant for weeks, suddenly sprang to life without any mechanical intervention.

Marital obstacles hindering the two brides-to-be were removed, as many expectant mothers were blessed with miracle babies. It is evident that Grace Nation is undergoing its phases of astounding Signs and Wonders.

Generational Prophet Dr. Chris Okafor, in his teachings on ‘Dealing With My Daddy’s Devil,’ points out that the sins of fathers can weigh heavily on their children, and unless one actively works to break this cycle, generational battles will inevitably continue from one generation to the next

*How to Deal with Your Daddy’s Devil*

To successfully address the issue of generational curses or strongholds in your family, it is necessary to understand the underlying spiritual principles and technical aspects. Knowing the source and method of entry of the devil into your bloodline, as well as the reasons behind its establishment in your father’s house, is vital. By understanding these key concepts, you will be able to make positive changes and effectively deal with these generational battles

*Breaking Free from Generational Conflict.*

In order to overcome the devilish influences of your father, serving your Lord and Savior in truth and spirit is essential; this empowers and elevates you above all earthly struggles

A strong prayer life is crucial for spiritual well-being; the devil commonly uses the depletion of one’s prayer life as a tactic to dominate the lives of God’s spiritually vulnerable children

Hence, the sole legitimate approach to terminating the devil’s influence within one’s family lineage involves authentic devotion to God, necessitating a superior force to dislodge an entrenched inferior spirit, with Generational Prophet of God Dr. Chris Okafor underscoring adherence to covenant principles as pivotal in transcending intergenerational curses

The midweek Prophetic Healing Deliverance and Solutions (PHDS) took place at the International Headquarters of Grace Nation Worldwide, situated in Ojodu Berger, Lagos, Nigeria.

 

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