Ibrahim Abdul Re-Elected President of Nigeria Weightlifting Federation

By: Arinzechi Chukwunonso

The Nigeria Weightlifting Federation (NWF) has reaffirmed its leadership direction with the re-election of Dr. Ibrahim Abdul as President for a second term. His return was sealed at the 2025 NWF Elective Congress held on Saturday, August 16, at the Gymnasium Hall, Package B of the Moshood Abiola National Stadium, Abuja.

Dr. Abdul, who first assumed office in September 2021, was the sole candidate for the presidency and secured a unanimous 12 out of 12 votes from the Federation’s Executive Board members. His new four-year tenure will consolidate on his first term’s achievements, which the National Sports Commission (NSC) described as “laudable milestones for Nigerian weightlifting.”

Other key positions were also decided at the well-attended congress, which was supervised by officials of the National Sports Commission, the Federation of Elite Athletes Department (FEAD), and the Nigeria Olympic Committee. Lawrence Iquaiborn emerged as the Federation’s Vice President after defeating Mr. Nwankwo Innocent by 8 votes to 4, while veteran coach Onubaye Sefia was elected as Technical Representative with a commanding 34-4 victory over incumbent Christopher Nwadei. Commonwealth Games bronze medalist, Osijo Taiwo, was also returned unopposed as Athletes’ Representative.

In his post-election remarks, Dr. Abdul expressed deep appreciation to members of the federation for reposing their confidence in him. He emphasized that the new leadership’s ambition goes beyond local achievements.

“I am extremely humbled to be elected for another four years. I want to thank my colleagues for the trust they’ve placed in me — I do not take it for granted. Our goal is not just to dominate Africa but to conquer the world in the sport of weightlifting,” he said.

He praised the peaceful nature of the election, describing it as a testament to the unity and maturity within the federation.

“There were no quarrels or tension; everything went smoothly. This is how elections should be conducted — peacefully and respectfully. I urge other federations to adopt this model.”

The NWF President also highlighted the importance of teamwork, commitment, and financial independence in driving the federation forward.

“This responsibility is a selfless one. Running a federation requires significant funding, and we cannot depend entirely on the sports commission. We must seek alternative sponsorships and partnerships to sustain our activities. If we are financially self-reliant, we won’t be at the mercy of anyone. We will be able to plan, execute, and participate in international events without always begging for support.”

He assured that the welfare of athletes and coaches will remain top priority under his administration, stressing that Nigeria’s target is to become the world’s number one weightlifting nation.

“Our athletes and coaches are the backbone of this federation. Their welfare will be at the center of all we do. Our dream is to build a system that produces world champions consistently.”

Dr. Abdul concluded by urging members of the new executive board to work with commitment and unity of purpose, assuring them that the new administration would be inclusive, performance-driven, and globally competitive.

In his goodwill message earlier, Chairman of the National Sports Commission, Malam Shehu Dikko, commended the Federation’s progress under Dr. Abdul’s leadership. Represented by Barr. Musa Amadu, Special Adviser on Strategy, Legal and Administration, Dikko described weightlifting as one of Nigeria’s most successful sports historically and assured the NWF of the Commission’s continuous support.

“The Nigeria Weightlifting Federation is one of the key players in sports development in this country. We are proud of its accomplishments and will work with the new leadership to restore the glory days of Nigerian weightlifting,” Dikko said.

The congress concluded with the ratification of the new board members, which represents a blend of continuity and fresh energy drawn from across Nigeria’s geopolitical zones and stakeholders in the sport.

Comprehensive Results of the 2025 NWF Elective Congress

Zonal Representatives

North Central – Dr. Abdul Ibrahim Aladi

North East – Zana Umara

North West – Sen. Hussaini Babangida Uba

South East – Ibeh Luke Onwumere

South South – Iquaiborn Lawrence Tom

South West – Lasisi Kazeem Aderemi

Technical Representative – Onubaye Sefia

Athletes’ Representative – Osijo Taiwo

NWF Board Members

Dr. Abdul Ibrahim Aladi – President

Iquaiborn Lawrence Tom – Vice President

Zana Umara – Member

Sen. Hussaini Babangida Uba – Member

Ibeh Luke Onwumere – Member

Lasisi Kazeem Aderemi – Member

Onubaye Sefia – Technical Representative

Osijo Taiwo – Athletes’ Representative

Sir Chimdi Ejiogu Obioma – International Representative

Innocent Nwankwo – Military/Paramilitary Representative

Dr. Steve Olarinoye – NAPHER-SD Representative

Alhaja Omolola Tijani – NAWIS Representative

With the elections concluded, the new board is expected to set its sights on consolidating Nigeria’s international weightlifting standing and preparing athletes for upcoming continental and global competitions.