By Foster Obi
Picture: Abu Umar Sadiq, winner of the 2024 edition of the championship. The award is presented by Pastor Dan Ufomadu of Revival Assembly Church, Lagos. Steve Okolie-Odene, the organizer is in black suit.
The stage is obviously set for the hosting of Mr Flex Championship and Fit up Nigeria 2025 at Freedom Park, Lagos Island. This edition which is the 13th in the series appears supercharged as the program which started since 2011 gets better every year.
The build up for the 2025 edition begins today, November 1, at the National stadium Surulere, Lagos with the fit up exercises involving an array of sports enthusiasts and personalities. Boasting top officials, international federation links, and promising athletes, the competition is primed to shine a spotlight on Nigeria’s bodybuilding and fitness ambitions.
A Grand Return
Organized by Steco Productions, the Mr Flex & Fit Up Nigeria 2025 event brings together multiple components of the fitness ecosystem: from mass participation “Fit Up Nigeria” sessions to the main bodybuilding showpiece.
The schedule begins with “Fit Up Nigeria” – public fitness activities slated for National Stadium, Surulere (Car Park) on 1st & 7th November 2025, from 7:00 AM to 12:00 PM. The climax is the Championship at Freedom Park on Saturday, 8th November at 3 PM prompt.
Categories & Opportunity
Athletes will battle in key competitive divisions: Bodybuilding Classic, Men’s Physique, and Bikini Figure — among other showcases.
Crucially, this Championship serves as a qualifier for the World Fitness Federation (WFF) Universe, WFF World Championship, and the WFF Africa League of Champions—offering Nigerian athletes a pathway to international platforms.
Star-Guests & Signals of Growth adding prestige to the event:
* Bashi‑Ali, former world boxing champion, will serve as Special Guest of Honour.
* Foluso Ogunwale, MD/CEO of I-Fitness, also Special Guest of Honour.
* Igwe Chukwudinigbo Agwuna (Igwe Mkpume na Enugu Ukwu) will lend traditional authority as Special Guest of Honour.
* Kelvin Atobiloye, fitness entrepreneur, likewise honoured.
* The host and event organizer is Stephen A. Okolie‑Odene, National Coordinator & President, WFF Nigeria. He is the CEO of Steco Productions.
According to him, the program is already highly anticipated by the sports community, and the attendance of sports loving Nigerians, non- Nigerians, high-net-worth individuals and royalty underscores its ambition: bridging sport, business, tradition, and grassroots fitness culture.
Why This Matters
Nigeria’s bodybuilding and fitness space is increasingly professionalizing. For example, the WFF/WBBF international body has recognized Nigeria among African nations advancing bodybuilding and fitness. Meanwhile, events like this with global qualifiers help Nigerian athletes gain exposure, legitimacy, and international competition rights.
Hosting at Freedom Park — a landmark venue in Lagos with heritage and crowd-appeal — signals this is more than a niche event: it’s positioning bodybuilding/fitness as mainstream, high-visibility sport.
What to Expect
* A vibrant crowd, fitness fans, and media presence at Freedom Park from 3 PM onwards.
* Athletes competing in rigorous categories, judged on muscle definition, symmetry (Classic Bodybuilding), aesthetic tone (Men Physique), and presentation (Bikini Figure).
* Networking opportunities for fitness professionals and enthusiasts, given the presence of fitness entrepreneurs and brand stakeholders.
* A strong promotional push: registration information, prize incentives, and exposure were highlighted in official materials.
Impact on Nigeria’s Fitness Agenda
As Nigeria places more emphasis on fitness, health, and performance sports, the Mr Flex & Fit Up Nigeria 2025 Championship can serve as a landmark moment. If the event delivers as promised, it could boost the country’s representation on the world bodybuilding stage — while inspiring a wider fitness culture at home.
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