By Aderonke Ojo
….Says Nothing Can Stop Team Nigeria with Right Support
Renowned philanthropist and passionate supporter of Nigerian sports, Kingsley Awodi, has hailed Nigeria’s para powerlifters following their impressive outing at the African Para Powerlifting Championship in Algeria.
Awodi commended the athletes for their diligence, resilience, courage under pressure and the never-say-die Nigerian spirit displayed throughout the competition.
A long-time supporter of sports in Nigeria, Awodi has quietly backed the national para powerlifting team. In April, he sponsored the maiden Kingsley Awodi National Para Powerlifting Championship in Abuja, a competition designed to discover new talents and provide elite lifters with quality preparation ahead of the continental championship in Algeria.
Speaking on arrival at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, Awodi expressed confidence in the future of the team.
“There is no stopping this crop of para powerlifters if they continue to receive the right support. We know what they are capable of and we have seen what they have achieved over the years. The competition we organised before their trip to Algeria had a huge impact on their performance, and it shows that we need to continue doing more,” he said.
He stressed that sports development should not be left to government alone, calling on more private individuals and corporate organisations to invest in Nigerian sports.
“Government alone cannot do it. The private sector must continue to support sports development, and that is what I am trying to do. I hope more people will follow suit because together we are building something special, and I want to continue giving my support,” Awodi added.
The sports philanthropist also commended the leadership of the National Sports Commission, particularly the Chairman, Mallam Shehu Dikko, and the Director General, Hon. Bukola Olopade, for creating an enabling environment that encourages private participation in sports development.
According to him, the reforms and programmes introduced by the commission since assuming office have helped galvanise the sports ecosystem and improved collaboration between stakeholders and the government.
To further motivate the athletes ahead of the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, Awodi announced immediate cash rewards for medal winners.
“Every gold medalist will receive ₦1.5 million, every silver medalist ₦1 million, while every bronze medalist will get ₦500,000. This is not just about financial rewards, but about recognising sacrifice, hard work and the courage to represent Nigeria with pride,” he stated.
Nigeria’s para powerlifters enjoyed a remarkable outing in Oran, Algeria, winning 32 gold, 12 silver and five bronze medals to finish second overall behind Egypt, further cementing the country’s reputation as a dominant force in para sports on the continent
