Olympian Lawrence Iquaibom has been elected Vice President of the Nigeria Weightlifting Federation (NWF), as Dr Ibrahim Abdul Aladi retained his seat as President.
In Saturday’s elections at the MKO Abiola National Stadium, Abuja. Iquaibom polled eight votes to defeat Innocent Nwankwo of Anambra, who managed four. Two other candidates, Luke Ibe and Steve Olarinoye, withdrew before voting began.
A retired director in the Akwa Ibom civil service, Iquaibom represented Nigeria at the 1984 Los Angeles Olympics in the men’s featherweight and at the 1988 Seoul Olympics in the lightweight.
He won gold at the 1987 All-Africa Games in Nairobi and claimed three silver medals at the 1990 Commonwealth Games in Auckland.
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After ending his active career, he became an official with the Akwa Ibom Weightlifting Association and later served as technical director of the Nigeria Weightlifting Association.
Lawrence Iquaibom. (Photo: Iquaibom/Facebook)
Earlier this year, he was elected into the Technical Committee of the Weightlifting Federation of Africa, a role he described as “part of my happy moments in weightlifting.”
Speaking after his latest election win, Iquaibom dedicated his success to Akwa Ibom Governor Umo Eno.
“It was tough, but God saw me through. I dedicate today’s victory to our beloved Governor, Pastor Dr Umo Eno, who has provided the enabling environment for sports to thrive,” he said.
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Iquaibom also thanked Sports Commissioner Elder Paul Bassey, Akwa Ibom people, colleagues and delegates, promising to “contribute my utmost” to the growth of weightlifting in Nigeria, Africa and globally.
Lawrence Iquaibom is also an International Technical Official. (Photo: IWF/X)
The full NWF board elected alongside Abdul Aladi and Iquaibom includes:
Zana Umara – Member
Senator Hussaini Babangida Uba – Member
Ibeh Luke Onwumere – Member
Lasisi Kazeem Aderemi – Member
Onubaye Sefiya – Technical Representative
Osijo Taiwo – Athlete Representative
Sir Chimdi Ejiogu Obioma – International Representative
Innocent Nwankwo – Military/Paramilitary Representative
Dr Steve Olarinoye – NAPHER SD
Alhaja Omolola Tijani – NAWIS
All officials will be sworn in for a four-year term by the National Sports Commission in the coming days.
