(Ecofin Agency) - In Nigeria, the Ogun state government has kicked-off a $100 million project to construct a standard motorsport race track that will also serve as a leisure park, in the state.

The Ogun State Motorsport (OSM) project, the first of its kind in West Africa, was proposed by EMC3 and will be handled by Driven International, a company which specializes in creating sustainable sports and leisure destinations. Located on the outskirts of Abeokuta in Ogun State, the project will cover 500 ha of land. The facility will focus on training of actors in the motorsport business and support the state government’s efforts in creating jobs.

According to the Chairman and Founder of EMC3, Baba Epega, works are underway to develop a schematic master plan which will assess the technical and financial viability of the project. “The project is at an early stage so we will need to refine the designs, with input from the required governing bodies and stakeholders. We experienced excellent hospitality during our stay in Nigeria and we are truly excited at the opportunity to be part of Nigeria’s first international motorsport project,” Ben Willshire, Managing Director of Driven International, said.

Anita Fatunji