Newly elected President of the Para Powerlifting Federation of Nigeria (PPFN), Kingsley Awodi, has unveiled an ambitious vision for the future of the sport after emerging unopposed at the federation’s elective congress in Abuja.
Awodi secured all 12 votes cast at Wednesday’s congress held at the VIP Lounge of the Moshood Abiola National Stadium, earning a unanimous mandate to lead one of Nigeria’s most successful para sports federations.
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The election comes at a crucial period for Nigerian para powerlifting, a sport that has consistently delivered medals for the country at the Paralympic Games, World Championships and Commonwealth Games.
“This is the beginning of a new era. Our focus will be on institutional reforms, athlete welfare, talent identification and building a stronger federation for the future,” Awodi said.
The new federation president pledged to strengthen governance, expand grassroots development programmes and create more opportunities for young para powerlifters across the country.
Awodi also emphasised the need for greater collaboration with the National Sports Commission, state associations and other stakeholders to sustain Nigeria’s dominance in international para powerlifting.
“We have the responsibility to build on the federation’s achievements while creating an environment that allows more athletes to succeed both nationally and internationally,” he added.
Also elected unopposed was Patrick Akutekwe, who polled all 12 votes to become the federation’s new Vice President.
With a fresh leadership team now in place, attention will turn to preparing Nigeria’s para powerlifters for upcoming international competitions, as Awodi begins implementing the reforms he believes will keep the country among the world’s leading forces in the sport.
