The Ondo State Government has announced a N10 million prize for the winners of the 2026 Ondo Auto Rally. Scheduled to take place on April 4 in Akure and Ilara-mokin, the event is themed "Greatest show on wheels." According to Femi Akarakiri, Director of Business Development and Investment Management at the Ondo State Development Agency, the government's involvement is a recognition of the rally's growing popularity over the years. The event has become a major tourist attraction in the state, with the government delighted by its growth.
The state government has also approved the use of a portion of Akure for the drag race, where locally designed and built race cars will be on display. Adeoye Ojuoko, President of the organising team, Work & Play, notes that the rally will focus on promoting tourism and culture through local content, including locally built racing cars and sporting infrastructure development.
Among the activities lined up for the rally are a drag race featuring locally built performance vehicles, an MTB XCE Cycling Competition for cycling enthusiasts, a tree planting programme to underscore environmental sustainability, and an air show where locally built drones will be on display. The Ondo rally has become a key motorsport activity in Nigeria, highlighting the country's growing automotive engineering capacity and innovation.
The Ondo State Government's decision to pledge N10 million for the winners of the auto rally is a welcome move. However, it is essential to note that the government's involvement in the rally is not just about the prize money, but also about promoting local content and innovation. The rally's focus on showcasing locally built racing cars and sporting infrastructure development is a step in the right direction. Nevertheless, the government's commitment to environmental sustainability and tourism development is also crucial, particularly in the face of ongoing environmental challenges in the state. The rally's success will undoubtedly have a positive impact on the local economy, creating jobs and stimulating growth.
