Odu Okao, a Geologist and Seismologist is the founder of West Africa’s first and only purpose built motor race tack. The former employer of Shell Petroleum Development Company (SPDC), Port Harcourt now into private business shares his motivation and driving force behind navigating the sharp bends of motor racing in Nigeria.
- What influenced your decision to build the only racing track in West Africa?
Being a young man fascinated with Speed & little resources, attending Motorsport races abroad was my usual holiday plans. It was on one of such visits that it struck me that we do not have any such facility in Nigeria & the seed of putting up a race facility in Nigeria was planted. It is the first and only purpose built race track in West Africa and it is located at Evbuobanosa, Orhiomwon Local Government Area in Edo State.
- Beyond the racing track, what other facilities are within the location?
The Motorsport Raceway, Evbuobanosa as it is known has a Club house with a Sports Bar section & accommodation for members, a rooftop viewing area, a swimming pool garden and ample car parking space. Plans are on for a VIP members lounge. All these other facilities compliment the activities at the race track making it more than just a race track.
- How has it fared since its inception?
Been tough! But the dream to mainstream Motorsport in Nigeria sustains us. You can imagine that when we started the idea for a racetrack in Nigeria, the Motorsport culture in Nigeria was comatose. Government & Corporate Support has been lacking but we have managed to keep holding activities at the Track to grow & sustain the interest.
- What major activities have taken place on the race track since inception?
Since construction of the Track in November 2017, we have continued to host The Annual Bikers Trophy (The BT) races that we initiated in 2013 on closed public roads, held a 3 year Car Racing Series that we titled The RoadX Car Championship and in 2025, initiated the FastestLap9ja Championship.
The Track also hosts Monthly TrackDays.
- How have the biking and racing communities reacted or supported your efforts at promoting the sport?
Enthusiastically. Though the interest is still growing.
- Is it a business for you and how is it funded?
As a business, no one can think of a worst investment!
It’s more a labor of love borne out of passion for what one sets out to achieve which is to create a sanctuary for Motorsport enthusiasts in Nigeria.
Funding comes largely from Out of Pocket money occasioned by the successes by my other commercially viable business ventures, we somehow find resources to keep the dream alive.
- Any support from Government and or the corporate world?
In one word, minimal. But we must thank the Government of Edo State during the time of Comrade Adams Oshiomhole for his grant of a Certificate of Occupancy for the land.
- What is the next major activity taking place at the Motor Race track?
We are looking forward to our Annual flagship Motorsport event that is The BT & FastestLap9ja Championship.
We have also added the Nigeria Car Meet & Greet event to make it all the more fun.
All these will take place at the Track from January 23rd – 25th, 2026.
- Any international links, affiliation, support or participation?
At this time, NONE.