THE 2023 ONDO RALLY: WORK N PLAY BACKED BY TOYOTA-NIGERIA, SMT, AND THE SMOKING HILLS, SETS ANOTHER MARKER, PROMOTING AUTOSPORTS IN NIGERIA.

 

Call it a wake-up call; a prompt to renew interest. It was made evident that Work and Play promotions again ruffled some feathers on the 8th of April, waking up anyone in Ondo State drifting to slumber by drawing attention to the state’s natural picturesque wealth, untapped tourism opportunities, and the exciting world of Motorsports.

The Work and Play promotion was not just aimed at promoting both labour and leisure activities in the state. It was a goal-driven effort to help grow the state with the corporate support of major sponsors such as Toyota, SMT, Smoking Hills, etc., and of course, such efforts will not be complete without the Motorsport's drivers, bikers, riders, supportive clubs around the country, and speed enthusiasts. The promotion was geared among other positive intentions, towards attracting visitors to the state, boosting the local economy through investments, engaging the youths in gainful employment, and encouraging more people to take Motorsports as a hobby.

The rally promotion fashioned carnival-like kicked off and rode through all day with a series of events that showcased the different types of culture and abundance of talents in Ondo. There were the dance groups that wowed everyone, there were performances by secondary school youths, disc jockeys, and upcoming musical talents banging out sweet and sensuous music while Testimony Jaga, the holy testimony crooner crowned the acts that had both the young and old thrillingly dancing with joy, and then there were the drag racers, bikers, rally racing, and circuit racers. The events were held in one location, at the impressive ground of the Smoking Hills Golf Course, and drew large crowds of spectators who were eager to see the drivers and riders in action.

One of the highlights of the promotions was the ‘drifting,’ (where the driver of a vehicle deliberately over-steers the car to break traction of the rear or front and rear tyres around a purposely demarcated area.) It was especially aimed at attracting all those present, including the VIPs. The noise from the roaring engines and screeching tires was deafening, and the crowds were cheering loudly for their favourite drifter drivers. The rally attracted drivers from all over Nigeria and some outside the country. It was a fiercely competitive event, with drivers pushing their cars to the limit in an attempt to win the top prize. And for those who won, it was an overflowing joy while those not lucky this time will look forward to the next race. And as always, the main race took place on the winding newly constructed track stretch of the road. The rally saw drivers pitting their high-performance cars against each other in a series of head-to-head races.

The Work and Play Promotion was, as has always been, a huge accomplishment in terms of the number of people it attracted and the amount of publicity it has and is still generating. It helped put Ondo State on the map as a tourist destination for Motorsports enthusiasts and showcased the state's rich cultural heritage and natural beauty. There were also events aimed at promoting other forms of leisure activities, such as after-activities club meetings, food festivals, art exhibitions, the launch of the auto magazine, etc. These events helped to create a celebratory atmosphere and provided something for everyone to enjoy.

Work and Play promotions remained bold, courageous, and unfazed in taking the initiative and riding to the present state of successful promotion of Motorsports and leisure activities in Nigeria. Its collaborative efforts to involve the state government, and more corporate sponsors, have been slow coming but the company has remained resolute and undaunted. The promotion drew large crowds of spectators, created a festive atmosphere, and generated a lot of publicity. It was a fantastic exemplary executed promotion that will continue to positively impact the minds of those privileged to have attended.