Obi hails American-Nigerian Ugochukwu Orlandi for winning FIA World Cup title

Labor Party candidate Peter Obi …. Credit…Adam Abu-bashal / Anadolu Agency (Photo by Adam Abu-bashal / ANADOLU AGENCY / Anadolu Agency via AFP)

The Presidential candidate of the Labour Party (LP) in the 2023 general election Peter Obi has congratulated teenage motorsport sensation Ugo Ugochukwu Orlandi for his ground-breaking victory at the 71st Macau Grand Prix.

Writing on his X-Handle, Obi lauded the 17-year-old American-Nigerian driver for becoming the first American in over 40 years to win the coveted FIA World Cup title.

He described Ugo’s achievement as a historic moment of pride and inspiration, highlighting his exceptional talent, dedication, and hard work.

His statetement reads, “Congratulations to Ugo Ugochukwu on Your 2024 FIA World Cup Victory.

“It gives me immense pleasure to extend my warmest congratulations to the teenage sensation Ugo Ugochukwu Orlandi for his extraordinary win at the 71st Macau Grand Prix. This historic achievement, as the first American driver in over four decades to capture this coveted title, is a moment of pride and celebration.

“Ugo’s outstanding victory stands as a testament to his immense talent, hard work, and consistent dedication—qualities that our youth today can demonstrate when given the right support and guidance.

“With a Nigerian mother, the esteemed supermodel Oluchi Onweagba Orlandi, and an Italian father, the former fashion designer Luca Orlandi, Ugo embodies a rich and diverse heritage. His success serves as an inspiration to young Nigerians everywhere, illustrating the boundless potential that can be realized when passion is paired with opportunity.

“I must also commend McLaren for their foresight in recognizing Ugo’s potential and for their ongoing commitment to developing young talent. Their support underscores the critical role of nurturing ambition and investing in the future.

“Ugo, beyond making history—you have inspired millions. I look forward to witnessing your continued rise as you push the boundaries of what’s possible in motorsport.

“Congratulations once more, Ugo!

Recall that17-year-old Ugo Ugochuckwu, won the 2024 FIA FR World Cup at the 71st Macau Grand Prix on Sunday.

Ugochukwu was born in New York to Oluchi, the Nigerian fashion model mother that won the inaugural Face of Africa competition in 1998, and Luca Orlandi, an Italian fashion designer.

He represents the US in car racing.

With the victory in Macau, Ugochukwu became the first American driver to win the prestigious event in over 40 years.

Ugochukwu led the race from start to finish for R-ace GP, ahead of Olivier Goethe for MP Motorsport and Noel León for KCMG IXO by Pinnacle Motorsport.

The American-Nigerian will compete in FIA Formula 3 — the third-tier world racing championship — in 2025.

Ugochukwu was discovered at an early age as a car racing wunderkind. He started Kart racing, a variant of motorsport, in 2013.

Ugochukwu, born on April 23, 2007, has been dubbed as the next Lewis Hamilton, the decorated British racer.

Ugo Ugochukwu, Nigerian-American driver, in New York, USA, is the son of former Nigerian queen, Oluchi Onweagba.

Also recall that Oluchi Onweagba, born on August 1, 1980, was discovered when she won the inaugural Face of Africa competition in 1998. She was married in August 2005 to fashion designer Luca Orlandi, with whom she has Ugochukwu.

Onweagba has modelled on the runway for Christian Dior, Chanel, Giorgio Armani, John Galliano among others.

She has been in campaigns for Ann Taylor, Banana Republic, Express, Gap, Gianfranco Ferré, Victoria’s Secret and others.

Onweagba has the distinction of being one of the first faces of Africa in the modelling industry and being one of the tallest at 6’0″. She started her own modelling agency in South Africa in 2008.