Susan Abayomi
The Classic Car Club of Nigeria has marked its 10th anniversary with Nostalgic Lagos, a classic car exhibition held on October 1 at the Lagos Polo Club, Ikoyi, as part of activities commemorating Nigeria’s Independence Day.
The event attracted classic car collectors, enthusiasts, families, friends and distinguished guests who gathered to celebrate vintage automobiles and the memories, history and heritage attached to them.
Centred on nostalgia and heritage, the exhibition showcased an impressive collection of classic automobiles, complemented by a drive and vehicle showcase, fashion and style displays, as well as family-friendly activities. Guests had the opportunity to admire some of Nigeria’s treasured vintage vehicles while learning about the stories and experiences associated with them.
Speaking at the event, classic car collector and one of the sponsors, Yomi Badejo-Okusanya, said the significance of the vehicles went beyond their physical and mechanical features, explaining that many were connected to personal memories and important moments in people’s lives.
“For some of us, it’s nostalgic. We carry fond memories of some of those cars. Some of them took us to school, some of them were driven by our parents, some by our uncles, and some of them we owned when we started. So every car has a history and tells a story. That’s the most important thing.”
Badejo-Okusanya, who described himself as a storyteller and public relations consultant, emphasised the need to preserve the heritage represented by the vehicles.
“You must treasure heritage, treasure tradition. There can’t be a future without a history. So this is the history that we carry here.”
He noted that every vehicle on display had its own story, citing his Mercedes-Benz, which he called “Obokun,” and recalling the significance of the vehicle when it was introduced in Nigeria.
“Every single one has a history and I can tell you the history, the story. Every single one has a story.”
According to him, the attraction of classic cars goes beyond ownership, as they offer an avenue for people to reconnect with different periods of Nigeria’s history and share memories and experiences across generations.
Dapo Otunla, Chairman and Co-founder of the Classic Car Club of Nigeria, said the Club’s activities have continued to unite people with a shared passion for classic automobiles, including enthusiasts who do not personally own vintage vehicles.
“It’s the kind of thing where we come together with our cars, friends and affiliates. Even people who don’t own cars join us. We just enjoy the time, admire the cars and share experiences,” Otunla said.
Established in 2016, the Classic Car Club of Nigeria has developed over the past decade into a community of more than 120 members. The Club organises classic car drives, exhibitions and social gatherings aimed at promoting the appreciation and preservation of vintage automobiles.
The 10th anniversary celebration also drew attention to the contribution of classic vehicles to Nigeria’s motoring heritage. Several of the automobiles displayed at Nostalgic Lagos were once common sights on Nigerian roads and remain closely associated with different generations and periods of the nation’s social history.
The Club has also continued to advocate greater recognition of classic motoring as part of Nigeria’s cultural and tourism offering. Otunla had previously called for increased support for the development of classic car exhibitions and activities across Nigeria and the wider West African region.
The choice of October 1 for Nostalgic Lagos added further significance to the celebration, as the event coincided with Nigeria’s Independence Day and provided guests with an opportunity to reflect on the nation’s journey while appreciating vehicles that have become part of its history.
As it enters its second decade, the Classic Car Club of Nigeria said it remains committed to preserving the country’s motoring heritage, expanding its community and encouraging younger generations to appreciate the history and stories behind classic automobiles.
