Lagos Motor Show maiden edition opens in grand style at TBS, Lagos
True to expectation, the Lagos Motor Show (LSM), in conjunction with Classic Cars Collector of Nigeria, ‘Work and Play’, a leading Motor Sport and recreation company, on Friday February 16, 2024 began the exhibition of cars and display of motor sports such as Vintage, Classic, Ex0tic Cars and Motor Sports at the Tafawa Balewa Square, TBS, Onikan-Lagos.
The products exhibited were inclusive of but not limited to automotive enthusiasts, car owners, salesmen, auto-mechanics and fleet maintenance team amongst others.
His Royal Highness (Barr) Mohammed Sanni Haliru Dantoro, Kitoro IV. (Mai Borgu), the Emir of Borgu Kingdom who declared the event opened said a society without history is no society.
The Emir who could not hide his admiration for some of the cars on display especially the electric cars asserted that they are able to see those cars on display because the LMS made it possible “The electric cars that we see in other countries, we are now seeing them coming into our country and it is a blessing to us, he added.
The Royal Father who commended Engr. Gbenga Adebayo, Chairman and Chief Promoter of LMS, appealed to Nigerians whom he acknowledged to be passing through a critical time to exercise patience even though he said nothing happens without the knowledge of the Almighty Allah.
He further appealed to Nigerians to pray for their leaders for God to direct their decisions, while on the other hand, called on the leaders to create a place in their conscience to feel the pains and sufferings of Nigerians and do something drastic in order to put smiles on their faces again.
Dantoro also said that as a way to protect the sanctity of the traditional institution, government should not employ the traditional institution as a campaign tool. He also said the traditional institution should offer encouragement to those in governance especially at this critical time of the nation’s history “In terms of economy the traditional institution is key and ought to be supportive of the government and representative of the people.”
Chairman/CEO Saglev, Mr Sam Olugbenga Faleye spoke on the uniqueness of electric vehicles. He disclosed that there are electric vehicles that can go five to six hours after recharging, he also disclosed that most of the cars are also coming with artificial intelligence(AI).
Mr. Faleye further disclosed that part of the advantages of electric vehicles is that they don’t need massive engines, he stated that plans are on the way to assemble about eight models of such cars at Ikorodu even though the staff to man such car assembly are still undergoing training.
While pointing out the the near indispensability of Nigeria automobile industry, he stated that the future of electric vehicles in Africa cannot be complete without passing through Nigeria.
Earlier in his address, Engr. Gbenga Adebayo, Chairman and Chief Promoter of the Lagos Motor Show, LMS, posited that the event would be an exhibition of new innovation and developments in the auto Industry, from cars before Nigeria’s independence and after the independence.
He added that his passion for motoring as well as writing has snowballed into the Lagos Motor Show that has also exhibited Internet of Things (IoT) in automobiles, energy efficient cars, Electric Vehicles and Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) powered low emission vehicles.
He said that the Show would be an annual event adding that part of the proceeds from the event and activities would be donated to charitable endeavours.
In an exclusive interview with Journalists, Engr. Gbenga Adebayo further said, “We are very excited to bring to Lagos, now and on an annual basis, an event that will host all the major stakeholders in Automobiles, both New, Antique Cars and Cars of the future. We are grateful to everyone, and we assure the public of a never to be forgotten experience,” adding “People looking to expand their Corporate network or provide themselves with marketing within the automotive industry registered as sponsors. Individuals and corporate bodies who registered as sponsors will receive a multitude of benefits in addition to exposure and networking within the automotive industry.” he further said.
R-L Engr Gbenga Adebayo and other Dignitaries at the Event
In addition, several exhibitors displayed automotive products, services, lifestyle, outdoor, and customised vehicle offerings to service the need of visitors.
Adebayo further said that the motor show would deliver exhilarating experience and platforms for exhibitors, channels and visitors, including the opportunity to drive or be driven in both latest models, including Electric Vehicles (EVs), Antiques and commercial vehicles around the square.
The opportunity of a test-ride and opportunity to sight, feel and see ‘ are core to the Show’s success as they provide a unique way for the consumer to see, touch and feel various and favourite brands on one platform,” Adebayo added.
The event had in attendance, motor companies, car collectors, transport operators and logistics companies. Decision makers, motor enthusiasts, banks, insurance companies, small scale auto-entrepreneurs, representatives of foreign trade missions and multinational companies, will also attend the event even as it also featured the future of automobiles.
* Car Collector, Chief Olu Okeowo, R and other Dignitaries
Future energy efficient cars such as Electric Vehicles and Gas-powered low emission eco-friendly vehicles, were also at the exhibition.
The Show offered an opportunity to interact with haulage, logistics, car hire companies, passenger transporters, financial institutions, Insurance, loans companies and other potential buyers and decision makers even as it further offered face-to-face, marketing opportunities that can help increase sales, with further opportunity to network with existing and future customers. It will offer significant brand visibility for all.
New Sentinel investigations showed that the Lagos Motor Show is the dream of a group of car lovers, motor sports enthusiasts whose goal is to bring to the Nigerian motoring community, an auto show annually that would mirror Auto shows such as the annual Chicago Motor Show, Munich Auto show, Middle east, Europe etc.
Exhibitors present as Partners to the Lagos Motor Show, include: CFAO TOYOTA, BRASS MOTORS AND MARINE SERVICES, JETRON BY ELIZADE Motors, VOLVO, L-SOLUTIONS among others, while supports are offered by SEVEN UP BOTTLING COMPANY, TASTIES FRIED CHICKEN, NIGERIA BREWERIES, THE LIGHTHOUSE, THE NICOLA AND CO, Nigeria Communications Commission (NCC), Airtel, Acess Bank, Zenith Bank, MUDI Africa, with after sales support from THE PHINX FLEET, and Coscharis Group, among others.
