Awodi Elected Unopposed As Nigeria Para Powerlifting President, Vows Sweeping Reforms

Renowned philanthropist and sports development advocate, Kingsley James Awodi, has been elected President of the Para Powerlifting Federation of Nigeria (PPFN), pledging to usher in a new era of growth, talent development and institutional reforms.

Awodi emerged unopposed at the federation’s elective congress held on Wednesday at the VIP Lounge of the Moshood Abiola National Stadium, Abuja, polling all 12 votes cast to secure the presidency.

Also elected unopposed was Patrick Akutekwe, who received all 12 votes to become the federation’s Vice President.

In his acceptance speech, Awodi described his election as a call to national service and promised to lead an inclusive administration focused on strengthening the federation and sustaining Nigeria’s dominance in international para powerlifting.

“I am deeply honoured by the confidence reposed in me to serve as President of the Nigeria Para Powerlifting Federation,” he said.

“I congratulate my fellow board members on our election. This is a call to national duty, and I look forward to leading an inclusive board where everyone will be carried along as we work together to move our federation forward.”

Awodi expressed appreciation to the National Sports Commission (NSC) for providing a conducive environment for a credible electoral process, pledging to work closely with the Commission to further develop the sport.

The newly elected president said his administration would prioritise talent identification and succession planning through the organisation of more Para Open Trials across the country, noting that several of Nigeria’s celebrated para powerlifters are approaching the latter stages of their careers.

“Our administration will be deliberate in discovering and developing new talents by organising more Para Open Trials, especially as some of our athletes are nearing the latter stages of their careers,” he said.

“Our goal is to continue producing world-class athletes who will make Nigeria proud on the global stage.”

Awodi also promised to implement meaningful reforms aimed at improving athletes’ welfare, strengthening the federation’s operations and creating opportunities for the next generation of champions.

“We are committed to introducing impactful reforms that will positively affect our athletes and further strengthen the federation. We also aim to inject fresh talents who will continue to fly Nigeria’s flag proudly across the world,” he added.

He called on athletes, coaches, administrators and other stakeholders to support his administration’s vision of taking Nigerian para powerlifting to greater heights.

Nigeria remains one of the world’s leading nations in para powerlifting, consistently producing Paralympic, World Championship and Commonwealth medallists, and Awodi said his administration is determined to build on that legacy.