By Dianabasi Effiong
In a show of solidarity and affirmation of continuity, the Board of the Nigeria Weightlifting Federation (NWF) on Saturday in Abuja returned Dr Ibrahim Abdul as its President for a second term of four years.
Abdul’s re-election took place at the NWF 2025 Elective Congress held at the Gymnasium Hall, Package B of the Moshood Abiola National Stadium, Abuja.
He was the sole candidate for the position.
He, however, received 12 out of the 12 Executive Board members’ votes to retain the post.
In the other positions which were supervised by the National Sports Commission, the Director of the Federation of Elite Athletes Department (FEAD), the Nigeria Olympics Committee, and others, Lawrence Iquaibom was elected as the new Vice President of the Federation.
The Weightlifting Africa Federation (WAF) and International Weightlifting Federation (IWF) member, polled a total of eight votes to beat his opponent, Mr Nwankwo Innocent, who had four votes.
Similarly, in the Technical Rep. position, Coach Onubaye Sefia defeated the incumbent, Christopher Nwadei 34 to four votes to be declared the winner.
The position of Athletes Representative was won by 2022 Commonwealth Games Bronze medallist, Osijo Taiwo. Taiwo was also the sole candidate for the position.
A statement by the Media Officer of the Federation, Mr Amaechi Agbo, stated that the new board members comprised, Dr Ibrahim Abdul (President), Lawrence Iquaibom (Vice President), Ibeh Luke, Olarinoye Steve, and Nwankwo Innocent, among others.
Meanwhile, the National Sports Commission (NSC) has commended the NWF on its laudable achievements since Dr Ibrahim Abdul assumed the leadership of the federation in September 2021.
The NSC Chairman, Malam Shehu Dikko gave the commendation on Saturday during his address at the NWF’s elective congress in Abuja
Represented by the Special Adviser on Strategy, Legal and Administration, Musa Amadu, the Sports Commission boss promised continued support to the federation to achieve more laurels.
“The Nigeria Weightlifting Federation is one of the key players in terms of sports development in Nigeria. We are proud, as a National Sports Commission, of the accomplishments and successes the body has attained over the years.
“Weightlifting has done a lot for this country and we need to do everything possible to bring back those good old days. To do this, the men and women of the NWF board must have passion for the sport,” he said.
Results of the 2025 NWF Elective Congress
Zonal Representatives:
1. North Central – Dr Abdul Ibrahim Aladi.
2. North East – Zana Umara.
3. North West – Sen. Hussaini Babangida Uba.
4. South East – Ibeh Luke Onwumere.
5. South South – Iquaibom, Lawrence Tom.
6. South West – Lasisi Kazeem Aderemi.
7. Technical Representative – Onubaye Sefiya.
8. Athletes Representative – Osijo Taiwo.
NWF Board Members
1. Dr Abdul Ibrahim Aladi – President.
2. Iquaibom, Lawrence Tom – Vice President.
3. Zana Umara – Member.
4. Sen. Hussaini Babangida Uba – Member.
5. Ibeh Luke Onwumere – Member.
6. Lasisi Kazeem Aderemi – Member.
7. Onubaye Sefiya – Technical Rep.
8. Osijo Taiwo – Athlete Rep.
9. Sir. Chimdi Ejiogu Obioma – International Rep.
10. Innocent Nwankwo – Military/Paramilitary.
11. Dr. Steve Olarinoye – NAPHER SD.
12. Alhaja Omolola Tijani – NAWIS.
