Lawmaker representing Kogi Central, Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, recently welcomed Matthew Ovayioza Sarah, a Kogi-born gold medalist, to her Abuja residence.
Ovayioza achieved remarkable success by winning two gold medals at the Weightlifting World Championship held in Manama, Bahrain.
A statement issued by the chief press secretary to Sen Akpoti-Uduaghan, Arogbonlo Israel, said during her visit, Ovayioza presented her awards to the senator and discussed her ongoing need for support, particularly in securing financial sponsorship and access to international-standard training facilities to adequately prepare for future competitions.
Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan congratulated Ovayioza on her outstanding achievements, especially her performance on the international stage, despite the numerous obstacles she has faced.
The Kogi lawmaker encouraged her to continue working hard and not allow challenges to hinder her potential.
In recognition of Ovayioza’s accomplishments, Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan provided her with financial support of N2 million and promised to seek additional assistance from relevant government agencies.
Ovayioza is not only an accomplished arm wrestler and weightlifter but also boasts an impressive array of accolades, including:
– 2 Gold Medals at the Weightlifting World Championship, Manama, Bahrain (December 2024)
– 3 Gold Medals at the Nigerian National Weightlifting Championship, Abuja (2024)
– 2 Gold Medals at the Armwrestling African Championship, Accra (2023)
– 1 Bronze Medal in Weightlifting at the Nigerian National Sports Festival, Delta (2022)
– 1 Gold and 1 Silver Medal at the National Armwrestling Championship, Lagos (2022)
– 2 Gold Medals at the Bamitonia Arm Wrestling Championship, Lagos (2023)
She also holds three national records: 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 71 kg category for Armwrestling, the Nigerian Armwrestling Nationals Champion in the same category, the Nigerian Weightlifting National Champion in the 71 kg category, and she is currently ranked World No. 3 in the 76 kg category.