From David Onuoja, Abuja
The Lawmaker at the upper Chamber of the National Assembly, representing Kogi Central, Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, recently doled out N2 million support to a Kogi-born gold medalist, Matthew Ovayioza Sarah.
Ovayioza Sarah who achieved a remarkable outing, won two gold medals at the Weightlifting World Championship held in Manama, Bahrain recently.
During Ovayioza’s visit to the Senator where she presented her awards to the Senator, she discussed her ongoing need for support, particularly in securing financial sponsorship and access to international-standard training facilities to adequately prepare for future competitions.
Responding, Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan, congratulated Ovayioza on her outstanding achievements, especially her performance on the international stage, despite the numerous obstacles she has faced.
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The Kogi lawmaker encouraged her to continue working hard and not allow challenges to hinder her potentials.
In recognition of Ovayioza’s accomplishments, Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan, provided her with financial support of two million naira and promised to seek additional assistance from relevant government agencies for her.
Ovayioza is not only an accomplished arm wrestler and weightlifter but also boasts an impressive array of accolades, which includes: two Gold Medals at the Weightlifting World Championship, Manama, Bahrain (December 2024), three Gold Medals at the Nigerian National Weightlifting Championship, Abuja 2024, and two Gold Medals at the Arm wrestling African Championship, Accra 2023.
Others are, one Bronze Medal in Weightlifting at the Nigerian National Sports Festival, Delta 2022, one Gold and one Silver Medal at the National Arm wrestling Championship, Lagos 2022, and two Gold Medals at the Bamitonia Arm wrestling Championship, Lagos 2023.
Ovayioza Sarah also holds three national records such as a new record in the snatch with a lift of 117 kg, a new clean and jerk record with a lift of 138 kg, and a total lift record of 255 kg.
In addition, Ovayioza is a two-time African Champion in the 71kg category for Arm wrestling, the Nigerian Arm wrestling Nationals Champion in the same category, the Nigerian Weightlifting National Champion in the 71kg category and she is currently ranked as the World No. 3 in the 76kg category.
