events

Nigeria Bids to Host Formula 1 Grand Prix in Abuja Capital City

Published

1 year ago

July 23, 2025

Nigeria Formula 1 Grand Prix bid launched by NSC aims to boost tourism, infrastructure, and economy with plans to host the race in Abuja, Africa’s capital of ambition

Nigeria has officially launched a bold bid to host the Nigeria Formula 1 Grand Prix in Abuja, led by the National Sports Commission (NSC) and Chairman Shehu Dikko.

Also read: World Bank: Nigeria’s economy to grow by 3.6% in 2025 despite global trade tensions

In collaboration with Opus Racing Promotions and BL Practice Hub, the initiative seeks to position Nigeria as Africa’s premier motorsport destination.

“We are exploring all possibilities to bring Formula 1 to Nigeria as soon as practicable—not just as a sporting event, but as a catalytic driver of tourism, infrastructure development, youth engagement, economy, and indeed soft power for Nigeria,” said Dikko.

He said the initiative supports President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Initiative, aiming to reset and relaunch Nigeria’s sports economy.

In April 2025, NSC welcomed Opus Racing representatives to Nigeria to outline the project. The plan has earned wide support from government, sports leaders, and the private sector.

Formal invitations have been sent to FIA President Stefano Domenicali, Lewis Hamilton, and Tilke Engineers & Architects to engage directly in Nigeria’s proposal.

Nigeria’s position as Africa’s largest economy with a strong private sector and growing infrastructure enhances its chances.

Also read: Professor Barth Nnaji to deliver 2025 bullion lecture on Nigeria’s $1-Trillion economy vision

Abuja’s planned race could become a new symbol of unity, growth, and global visibility.

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Opinion

WAKE UP! Art Exhibition Returns for a Second Act

Published

2 days ago

August 27, 2026

Mariam Balogun

The contemporary art and photography exhibition “Wake Up!” is back again for a second edition.

Curated by Awele Onwordi, Wake Up! 2 exhibition pays homage to the Nigerian youth and burgeoning street culture which many of its contributing artists reference in their works.

Also read: Fiorentina Target Zirkzee in €5m Loan Deal

Titled “Young, Wild, Free”, the exhibition celebrates the creativity, resilience, freedom and cultural influence found in Nigerian youth.

Taking aim at societal issues and economic concerns, the exhibit reflects the youth and their refusal to compromise or bow despite all the challenges stacked against them while charting youth culture through art, music, fashion, skateboarding, photography and community.

The exhibition will be held, once again, at the Angel and Muse Gallery at 25 Sumbo Jibowu street off Ribadu Road off Awolowo Road in Ikoyi.

It will open on Saturday 5 September 2026 and will run until 11 September 2026
This second edition which focuses on celebrating, nurturing and exploring artistic practices rooted in youth and street culture will feature works from DENCITY and SUPERGLIDER HOUSE.

Exhibiting artists include Ajilore Kehinde – their work is deeply influenced by Nigerian street culture and works of other artists like Slawn, Peters Ejiro, etc, Chuka Onwordi – graphic designer who embodies themes of death, melancholy and beauty in his works, ZIDYEP – Abuja based creative whose works move between digital and physical spaces through art, graphic design and air brushing , Franklyn Okoye – graphic designer and artist whose works explore themes of identity and hyper-reality, Awele Onwordi – founder & curator of WAKE UP and multidisciplinary artist whose practice spans character art, creative logo design, album covers and more , Oluchi Kogolo – digital illustrator whose work explores street culture, personality and storytelling through a raw and playful visual style and Kozetuo Apeji – multidisciplinary artists who work explores experimental approaches to problem solving through both digital and traditional art forms.

Commenting on the exhibition in her curatorial statement, Awele noted that “despite economic instability, limited opportunities and socio-political challenges, Nigerian youth continue to shape culture through music, fashion, art, skateboarding, raves, photography and community.”

Also read: Fiorentina Target Zirkzee in €5m Loan Deal

Continuing and harping on the raison d’etre of the exhibition she said, “Young, Wild and Free exists to celebrate Nigerian youth while also creating a platform that supports and amplifies them.”