Continuity At The Helm: Dr. Abdul Returned As NWF President

Continuity At The Helm: Dr. Abdul Returned As NWF President

By Admin 

The Nigeria Weightlifting Federation (NWF) has re-elected Dr. Ibrahim Abdul as President for a second term, reaffirming confidence in his leadership at the 2025 Elective Congress held on Saturday at the Moshood Abiola National Stadium, Abuja, BSNSports.com.ng reports.

Dr. Abdul, who first assumed office in September 2021, ran unopposed and secured a unanimous mandate, earning all 12 votes from the Executive Board Members. He will now serve another four-year term.

In other elections supervised by officials from the National Sports Commission (NSC), the Nigeria Olympic Committee, and other stakeholders, Lawrence Iquaiborn emerged as Vice President after polling eight votes to defeat Innocent Nwankwo, who secured four. Iquaiborn is also a member of both the Weightlifting Africa Federation (WAF) and the International Weightlifting Federation (IWF).

The Technical Representative seat was won by Coach Onubaye Sefia, who convincingly beat incumbent Christopher Nwadei by 34 votes to four. Commonwealth Games bronze medallist Osijo Taiwo was returned unopposed as Athletes’ Representative.

The newly elected board, according to NWF Media Officer Amaechi Agbo, comprises:

Dr. Ibrahim Abdul – President

Lawrence Iquaiborn – Vice President

Zana Umara – North East Rep.

Sen. Hussaini Babangida Uba – North West Rep.

Ibeh Luke Onwumere – South East Rep.

Lasisi Kazeem Aderemi – South West Rep.

Onubaye Sefia – Technical Rep.

Osijo Taiwo – Athletes’ Rep.

Sir Chimdi Ejiogu Obioma – International Rep.

Innocent Nwankwo – Military/Paramilitary Rep.

Dr. Steve Olarinoye – NAPHER SD Rep

Alhaja Omolola Tijani – NAWIS Rep.

NSC Commends NWF’s Progress

The National Sports Commission praised the achievements of the federation under Dr. Abdul’s leadership. NSC Chairman Malam Shehu Dikko, represented by his Special Adviser on Strategy, Legal and Administration, Barr. Musa Amadu, lauded the NWF’s contributions to sports development.

“The Nigeria Weightlifting Federation is one of the key players in sports development in Nigeria. We are proud of its accomplishments and successes over the years,” he said.

“Weightlifting has done a lot for this country. To bring back the glory days, members of the NWF board must continue to show passion and commitment to the sport.”

The Commission also pledged continued support for the federation in its quest to win more laurels for the country.

With the elections concluded, stakeholders believe the reconstituted board has the mandate and structure to strengthen weightlifting’s role as a medal-winning sport for Nigeria at continental and global levels.