Kingsley James Awodi has been elected President of the Para Powerlifting Federation after returning unopposed, winning all 12 votes cast by congress delegates.
The election took place at the VIP Lounge of the Moshood Abiola National Stadium in Abuja, with representatives from across Nigeria in attendance. Patrick Akukeke was also elected unopposed as Vice President.
At a glance
- Kingsley James Awodi elected Para Powerlifting Federation President unopposed
- Awodi secured all 12 votes from the federation congress
- Election held at the VIP Lounge of Moshood Abiola National Stadium, Abuja
- Patrick Akukeke elected unopposed as Vice President
- Awodi praised support from the National Sports Commission leadership
Delegates said Awodi’s nomination was driven by his record of backing the national team in financial, physical and moral terms. They highlighted his close involvement in the sport’s expansion in recent years, pointing to frequent appearances at training camps, national trials and international events.
After the election, Awodi expressed gratitude to the National Sports Commission, naming its leadership as Mallam Shehu Dikko and Hon. Bukola Olopade, for creating what he described as a supportive environment for the federation’s work.
“We are coming on board to carry everybody along,” Awodi said. “Para powerlifting has given Nigeria so much glory on the world stage, and it is time we build a system that sustains that success.”
For his four-year mandate, he set out youth development and athlete welfare as key goals. He noted that several of Nigeria’s para power lifters who have won medals are now moving beyond their peak competitive years.
Awodi added that the federation will focus on bringing through younger competitors, aiming to phase in new talent as older athletes age out. He said more grassroots programmes, additional training centres and expanded competitions are expected to be rolled out to support that transition.
