Ibadan Gears Up For 2020 Auto Racing Festival

IBADAN - Ibadan, the Oyo state capital city is set host the largest auto sporting event in the country in a 3-day fun-filled activities scheduled to take place in December this year.

The event tagged Fanfaro Autofest which is the second in the series is a car racing festival aimed at attracting and increasing global attention to the ancient city.

Speaking at a press conference to herald the event, the Chief Executive Officer, Fanfaro Oil Nigeria, Mr Adekunle Olanrewaju said the auto racing event will garner expert cruisers from within and outside the country, adding that the resolve to reenact the importance of the city on the global entertainment map was a way of investing in the city as a payback.

According to him, the second largest city in Africa next to Cairo, Egypt, had been viewed by many as a big city with a large population but without much to offer in terms of fun and excitement.

He added that even though the Fanfaro Autofest 2019 was able to evoke an evolution that placed the state on the global map, this year’s edition is not only focused on presenting the state to the world but also to showcase the culture, beautiful locations, talents and business enabling environment within the state.

Olanrewaju said, “Oyo State is generally perceived as a late adopter of trends. Despite its large landmass ranking as the largest city in Africa with a high population, hardly is there an activity that brings visitors into the state as is the case with Calabar Festival in Cross Rivers or events in Lagos.

“Last year’s event witnessed over 60 super bikers, drifters and auto enthusiasts from different parts of the country visiting the city for the first time. We were able to evoke an evolution that placed Oyo State on the global map.

“In December, Oyo State will be hosting the largest auto sporting event in Nigeria. The three-day event will kick off with a dinner and awards. This would be followed by auto convoy drive around the city and would end would feature top super bikers, the celebrity with leading Bollywood acts gracing the occasion.”

The organisers added that the security and safety of the participants has also been worked on, saying more safety efforts in line with international standards will also be put in place.

The event, which is attracting participants from Cameroon and Republic of Benin, among others, is being supported by Basco Limited and Hennessey Nigeria among others.