By Amaechi Agbo

The Nigeria Weightlifting Federation, NWF have expressed as rude shock, the death of one of the nation’s promising lifter and Africa Championship medallist, Tajudeen Giwa who passed on to the eternal glory on Friday.

In a condolence message to the Giwa family, weightlifting stakeholders as well and athletes, NWF President, Dr Abdul Ibrahim expressed the board and the entire weightlifting family’s heartfelt condolences to the immediate family.

The number one weightlifter in the country was saddedned the more by the fact the Giwa died at a time his young wife was expectant of their first child.

“The death of Tajudeen Giwa is a monumental loss to Nigeria Weightlifting Federation and all stakeholders. Giwa had distinguished himself in weightlifting both nationally and globally.

“His departure is made more unbearable in that he left behind a young expectant wife who is due in no long time,” he said.

Dr Abdul who reiterated that the premium attention of the board remains the welfare of the athletes, promised that the federation will support the family in the best way possible.

While describing the deseased as a self motivator, humble and hardworking, he prayed God to give the immediate young family and the entire weightlifting fraternity in Nigeria the fortitude to bear the Irreparable loss.

“Our utmost priority as a federation remains the welfare of the athletes. And this we will see to the end.

“Tajudeen is a lifter with unique characteristics that set him apart from his competitors. He had, by dint of hard work, won several medals including gold at Africa Games in 2019 and other numerous medals at national levels. He sacrificed for this great nation and this federation will do what we can to support the family.

“The NWF mourns his departure with forbearance as we ask God Almighty, the creator of the universe, to give the young family the fortitude to bear this loss.”

Born on December 9, 1992, until his death on Friday, March 18, 2022, Tajudeen Giwa won 3 silver medals at the Africa Championship in Nairobi, Kenya in 2012 which also doubled as Olympic qualifier for the 2012 London Olympics Games.

He was placed 4th at the 12 Africa Games in Rabat, Morocco in 2019.

At the national level, Tajudeen Giwa won several national championships with the most recent being two gold medals at the National Sports Festival, in Benin, Edo State last year. He majored in 55kg men category

Mr Giwa have been buried according to Islamic rites and his eight day payer after death will hold on Friday, March 25th, 2022 in Lagos State.