Enabulele Hails Team Edo’s Outstanding Feats in Para-Powerlifting, Karate Tournaments

OGUNSAKIN AKINDELE MARTINS 

The Executive Chairman of the Edo State Sports Commission, Hon. Amadin Desmond Enabulele, has expressed deep satisfaction with the sterling performances of Team Edo athletes at the ongoing Para-Powerlifting and Karate tournaments in Abuja.

In a statement released by his Media Officer, Edoko Wilson Edoko, Enabulele described the athletes’ exceptional achievements as a clear testament to Governor Monday Okpebholo’s commitment to grassroots sports development in the state.

According to him, “No fewer than five Team Edo athletes out of 12 national lifters at the Nigeria Para-Powerlifting Open National Trials in Abuja have broken world records in their respective categories.”

He singled out Tolulope Ogundolie for special praise, noting that she emerged best lifter in the 45kg female category with a record lift of 110kg, surpassing the previous standard of 95kg.

In Day 3 of the trials, Esther Oyema lifted 127kg in the 55kg female category to take the top spot, smashing the former record of 112kg. Daniel Omogbai also clinched first place in the 107kg male category with a best lift of 190kg. Blessing Kayode secured gold in the 54kg male category with a lift of 177kg, while Taiwo Tolulope won the 97kg male category with a 160kg lift.

“I commend our athletes who have distinguished themselves at this national competition. We hope to replicate these results at upcoming international tournaments,” Enabulele added.

The Para-Powerlifting tournament, which began on Friday, June 14, 2025, at the Moshood Abiola National Stadium, Package B, is organized by the Nigeria Para-Powerlifting Federation and features no fewer than 60 athletes from across the country.

Meanwhile Ruel Ishaku, the Technical Director of the Federation, has said that consistent training and camping would further enhance the athletes’ performances, urging authorities to maintain momentum ahead of future competitions. The event began with a successful anti-doping screening conducted by the Nigeria Anti-Doping Committee (NAC).

Notably, Team Edo also recorded remarkable success at the ongoing 4th Japanese Ambassador’s Karate Tournament (KFN Ranked Event, Factor “6”) also holding in Abuja. Aigbe Esohe Precious won gold in the -54kg female kumite category, Sani Mohammad clinched gold, Desmond Izenbuwa Eroirewaen earned bronze, and Daniel Udi also picked up a bronze medal.