President of the Nigerian Para Powerlifting Federation (NPPF), Ichie Chiemeka Charles Ezenwanne, has launched the Southeast’s first-ever Para Powerlifting Championship, aimed at discovering and nurturing young talent in the region.
The two-day event will be held from October 23–24 at the indoor sports hall of the Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium in Enugu, seeks to identify athletes who could one day compete nationally and internationally.
Ezenwanne, who personally funded the championship, emphasized that the initiative is driven by his love for the sport and commitment to youth development rather than government or federation support.
“I’m doing this because I love the game and want my zone to be active again,” he said.
“We used to have strong athletes like Lucy Ejike and Esther Oyema, who brought glory to Nigeria, but interest from the states has declined.”
President of the Nigerian Para Powerlifting Federation (NPPF), Charles Ezenwanne,
“This programme is about discovering raw talents in our communities, people who can become champions and lift their families out of poverty. We have potential athletes everywhere, and this competition will help us bring them into the national team,” he added.
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The NPPF President also highlighted the limited infrastructure for para powerlifting in the Southeast.
“In the entire Southeast, Enugu and Abia have just one powerlifting bench each. We can’t grow with such limited equipment. If private sponsors come in, we can change lives and make Nigeria proud,” Ezenwanne said.
He urged state governments to invest in facilities and athlete support, noting that several states, including Anambra and Ebonyi, currently have no active para powerlifters competing nationally.
Ezenwanne with one of his Para Powerlifter in Dubai World Championships. Photo Credit: X
The championship, themed “Discover, Develop, and Adjust,” attracted governors of Southeast states, sports commissioners, and other stakeholders as special guests of honour.
Ezenwanne’s leadership has already delivered impressive international results. At the 2025 World Para Powerlifting Championships in Cairo, Team Nigeria finished second overall, winning 11 medals three gold, four silver, and four bronze.
World champion Folashade Oluwafemiayo struck gold and set a new world record in the women’s up to 86kg category, while Rita Ferdinand and Esther Oyema also clinched gold medals, capping a strong showing for the Nigerian contingent.
Nigeria’s Folashade Oluwafemiayo broke her own world record in the women’s over 86kg category with an incredible 168kg lift in her powerlift attempt. She is now a four-time world champion and two-time Paralympic champion. Photo Credit: X
“Para powerlifting remains Nigeria’s pride. Whenever we go for competitions, we return with medals,” Ezenwanne said.
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He hopes the Southeast Championship will raise the next generation of champions, building on Nigeria’s international success and continuing the country’s proud legacy in para powerlifting.
