ONDO AUTO RALLY 2026 IGNITES TOURISM, SME GROWTH, AND INDUSTRIAL AMBITION IN ONDO STATE
…Work and Play Group, ONDIPA Partner to Drive Economic Transformation Through Motorsport
The Ondo Auto Rally is a direct product of the investment-friendly policies championed by His Excellency, the Executive Governor of Ondo State and the Chairman of ONDIPA, Dr. Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa, whose administration has consistently prioritized tourism and private sector development.
Through deliberate policy reforms, infrastructure support, and open engagement with investors, the Governor has created an enabling environment that makes events of this scale not only possible but sustainable.
His commitment to positioning Ondo as Nigeria’s foremost motorsport and tourism destination has attracted both domestic and international interest in transforming the State’s recreational assets – from the majestic Idanre Hills to Araromi Beach—into viable economic drivers.
The Work N Play Group, organizers of the 2026 Ondo Auto Rally, staged the 9th edition of Nigeria’s premier motorsport event on Saturday, 4th April 2026, starting with the On-Road event at the front of Government House, Alagbaka, Akure to be followed by the Off-Road racing at the dedicated circuit located in Smokin Hills Golf Course, Ilara-Mokin, Ondo State.
The event brings together motorsport enthusiasts, investors, and development stakeholders in a celebration of speed, innovation, and economic opportunities.
Speaking during the flag-off ceremony at the Government House Grounds, His Excellency, Dr. Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa, Executive Governor of Ondo State and Chairman of ONDIPA, praised the promoter of the Ondo Auto Rally and the Managing Director of Work and Play Group for their vision, resilience, and sustained commitment to building a nationally recognized motorsport platform.
The Governor described the rally as “the first of its kind in Nigeria, proudly initiated and sustained in Ondo State,” noting that its continued success underscores the state’s growing capacity to host large-scale, high-impact events.
He further commended the ingenuity behind the rally, particularly highlighting that the vehicles used in the competition are manufactured within Ondo State, a milestone that reflects the state’s emerging industrial capabilities and innovation ecosystem.
According to the Governor, the event has attracted participants and spectators from across Nigeria, significantly boosting the state’s visibility and reinforcing its reputation as a destination for both tourism and investment.
Mr. Governor also acknowledged the consistent role of ONDIPA in ensuring the sustainability of the auto rally since its inception, emphasizing the Agency’s alignment with the administration’s broader economic development agenda.
In addition, he appreciated the contributions of participants, cultural troupes, riders, and cheerleaders whose performances added vibrancy and cultural richness to the event, transforming it into a holistic tourism and entertainment experience.
The Governor further noted that ongoing road infrastructure development across Akure metropolis was strategically aligned to enhance accessibility and improve the overall experience for visitors attending the rally.
The economic ripple effect of the Ondo Auto Rally extends well beyond the racetrack. Hotels, resorts, and guesthouses across the State record measurable uptick in occupancy during the event window, while restaurants, local vendors, artisans, and transportation providers experience a direct surge in patronage. For SMEs in Ondo State, the rally represents a recurring commercial platform—one that builds brand visibility, generates revenue, and fosters networking opportunities with high-net-worth visitors and corporate sponsors.
Since its debut in 2017, Ondo State Development & Investment Promotion Agency (ONDIPA) has been a key partner with Work N Play as part of its mandate to attract, facilitate, and retain investments that drive industrial and developmental growth in Ondo State.
ONDIPA’s involvement in the rally reflects its broader mission to create a visible, investment-ready identity for the state. Operating in alignment with Mr. Governor’s OUR EASE policy, which prioritizes ease of doing business, regulatory transparency, and investor support.
ONDIPA is actively facilitating discussions with electric vehicle manufacturers, automotive assembly companies, and mobility solution providers interested in the state.
The Agency’s participation in the rally signals to global investors that Ondo State is open, organized, and ready for business.
Beyond the spectacle of motorsport, the 2026 Ondo Auto Rally is a statement of industrial intent. Ondo State’s rich reserves of silica sand and rubber, positions it as a credible base for vehicle component manufacturing, vehicle tyres, EV battery assembly, and automotive glass production.
Some of the Universities in the State have also been impacted with learning, understanding and building of these high-powered vehicle for the event.
The State is actively transitioning from automobile consumption to automobile production—building an ecosystem that encompasses vehicle assembly, components manufacturing, and EV charging infrastructure. The rally serves as the flagship platform to communicate this vision to investors and industry partners at both national and international levels.
Signed:
Louis Okoh
Communications/Press Officer
ONDIPA
