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By Our Reporter
Lagos State Government on Tuesday announced plans to host the maiden edition of the Lagos Grand Horse Race, themed: "Race Into the Future," as part of efforts to position the state as Africa's leading destination for horse racing, tourism and cultural entertainment.
The 3-day event, scheduled to hold from September 11 to 13, 2026, at the National Stadium, Surulere, is expected to attract over 30,000 local and international participants.
The Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture, Mrs. Oloruntoyin Bopo Oyekan-Ismaila, made this known at a media briefing, which took place at the Bagauda Kalto Press Center, Alausa, Ikeja, Lagos, saying that the initiative aligned with the state's vision of leveraging sports, culture and entertainment to drive tourism and economic development.
Oyekan-Ismaila, who was represented by the Director of Administration and Human Resources in the ministry, Mr. Taoreed Dosunmu, noted that the event would serve as a major platform for showcasing Lagos as a global tourism destination while it would also create economic and business opportunities for residents of the state.
According to him, the Lagos Grand Horse Race was designed to combine sports, fundraising, music, fashion, food and cultural exhibitions, making it a unique attraction for visitors from within and outside Nigeria.
She said the event is expected to generate significant economic activities for hotels, restaurants, transport operators, artists, tour operators and other stakeholders in the hospitality and tourism value chain.
"The Lagos Grand Horse Race will provide a significant boost to tourism, culture and the economy. It will also strengthen destination branding and reinforce Lagos' position as Africa's leading destination for sports and cultural activities," she said.
Oyekan-Ismaila added that the initiative forms part of the government's broader strategy to promote tourism through public-private partnerships and innovative cultural events.
Earlier, the Convener and Founder of the Lagos Grand Horse Race, Mr. Femi Fasoro, described the event as a platform for youth engagement, sports development and the preservation of Nigeria's rich equestrian heritage.
Fasoro said traditional horsemen from different parts of the country would participate in the festival, which is expected to feature about 100 horses in competitive races and cultural displays.
The convener noted that beyond horse racing, the event would celebrate fashion, culture, entertainment and national unity while providing opportunities for young people to explore careers and business prospects within the sports and tourism sectors.
According to him, the Lagos Grand Horse Race is aimed at reviving public interest in horse racing and establishing Lagos as a major hub for equestrian sports on the African continent.
The organisers said the event would feature a variety of attractions, including horse racing competitions, cultural performances, music concerts, fashion showcases, food exhibitions and networking opportunities for investors and tourism stakeholders.
They expressed confidence that the maiden edition would become a flagship annual event capable of attracting international attention and contributing significantly to Lagos State's tourism and investment drive.
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