The just-concluded Lagos Motor Show has received accolades from prominent personalities who lauded the initiative and commended the organisers for the success of the exhibition.
Speaking at the two-day event, which was held last weekend at the Main Arena of the Tafawa Balewa Square (TBS) Onikan, Lagos, the Emir of Borgu Kingdom, Niger State, Mohammed Haliru Dantoro, commended the organisers, describing their efforts in holding the maiden edition of the event, as historic. He, alongside other dignitaries, noted the dedication and perseverance of the organisers in putting together the show, especially at a time when the country is faced with many challenges.
During the opening ceremony, the Emir said Nigeria is a very historical country and therefore, everything should be done to preserve the country’s past legacies and rich history. He also challenged leaders in the country to imbibe the attitude of preserving cultural heritage for the next generation.
“Some of the cars you are seeing being displayed here today are cars of the past. But today, people who did not have the opportunity to see them then, are now privileged to see them. It takes a mind of nationalism and patriotism, with a strong background, to put this kind of show together. Cars are meant to be handled and treated very well. A man can be perceived by the kind of cars he drives.”
Speaking further, he said all Nigerians must contribute their quota to make Nigeria great again, saying the government alone cannot fix the rot in the country. “What the country needs now is collective responsibility of all Nigerians both home and abroad. Nigeria must rise above its current challenges; this is a period when we must all come together and collectively address the challenges of the country, from insecurity to corruption and hunger,” he added.
He thanked the organisers for putting up a historic show where classic and vintage cars, including electric-powered motorbikes and vehicles, were on exhibition.
Chairman, the Lagos Motor Show Organising Committee and Chief Promoter of the event, Gbenga Adebayo, said the exhibition featured innovation and developments in the auto industry such as the Internet of Things (IoT) in automobiles, energy-efficient cars, electric vehicles, and Compressed Natural Gas (CNG)-powered low emission vehicles.
Car enthusiast, Olu Okeowo, said, “Personal cars tell more about the personality of a person, and it is good to preserve what we have, be it cars, or anything of value. Today we are seeing the collection of cars preserved by car collectors and it is indeed great to see old and vintage cars on display,” Okeowo said.
The Lagos Motor Show is the dream of a group of car lovers and motorsports enthusiasts whose goal is to bring to the Nigerian motoring community, an auto show annually that would mirror auto shows abroad.
Chairman/Chief Executive Officer, Saglev, Sam Olugbenga Faleye, spoke on the uniqueness of electric vehicles. While speaking, he said there are EVs that can go five to six hours after recharging, adding that they also come with artificial intelligence (AI).
