David Buffest is a Nigerian Strongman athlete, model, and fitness influencer. Formerly a powerlifting athlete, he transitioned to Strongman competitions, where he has become a dominant force.
Hailing from Ekiti State, Nigeria, David Buffest is a powerhouse of strength, resilience, and determination. He holds a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration and a Master’s degree in Marketing from Redeemer’s University.
Currently, he holds the title of Nigeria’s Strongest Man, having won the championship three consecutive times (2021-2024). As the first Nigerian to achieve this feat, his next goal is to represent Nigeria and Africa at the World’s Strongest Man competition in UAE in June 2025, along with other international events.
A few days ago, City People journalist, Benprince Ezeh, (08068599879) caught up with him at the Silverbird Man of the Year Awards in Lagos, where he shared insights on his journey into the Strongman competition in Nigeria. Below is an excerpt from the conversation
Who is David Buffest?
My full name is David Ajayomi, but many people know me as David Buffest. I am the current Nigerian Strongest Man, a three-time champion, winning the competition back-to-back from 2021 to 2024. My most recent victory was in Calabar in 2024, where I won the title for the third time in a row.
How did you become Nigeria’s Strongest Man? Can you tell us a little about your journey?
I started my journey in powerlifting, but I wanted to do something beyond that. I felt I had the strength and endurance for something greater, so I transitioned into Strongman competitions.
I visited the National Stadium, where I met people who introduced me to the Nigerian Strongest Man competition. I competed for the first time in 2021 and won, becoming the first-ever Nigerian Strongest Man. From there, I defended my title in 2022, 2023, and 2024.
I always knew I had the power to achieve something different, which is why I pursued this sport.
Were you born in Nigeria, or were you introduced to this sport later in life?
Yes, I was born in Nigeria. I attended a regular secondary school, just like any other Nigerian child. After that, I went on to Redeemer’s University, where I pursued my studies. It was during this time that I got involved in powerlifting.
When did you start powerlifting?
I started powerlifting in 1996. Over time, I transitioned into bodybuilding, and from there, I made the move into Strongman competitions.
Now that you have won three consecutive titles, do you plan to compete in the African Strongest Man competition or possibly the World’s Strongest Man event?
Yes, that’s my plan. Having won three consecutive Nigerian titles, I want to take my career to the next level.
There’s a competition happening in Dubai in June 2025, and I plan to represent Nigeria there. By God’s grace, I hope to win. After that, my goal is to compete in the World’s Strongest Man competition.
Is the Dubai competition specifically for African athletes, or is it open to other continents?
No, it’s not just for Africa. Athletes from various continents will be competing in Dubai. I’ll be representing Nigeria, and there will be competitors from South Africa and other countries as well.
My ultimate goal is to win and bring international recognition to Nigeria in the Strongman sport.
What motivated you to move beyond powerlifting and pursue Strongman competitions?
If you look at other countries, you’ll find athletes competing in the World’s Strongest Man competition, but you won’t see any Nigerians.
I want to change that. I want to be the first Nigerian to compete at that level. That’s why I took it upon myself to pioneer this sport in Nigeria.
If you check online, you won’t find any other Nigerian competing in Strongman competitions. I know I have the strength and ability, and that’s my motivation—I want to make history and become the first Nigerian to win the World’s Strongest Man competition.
Does this mean you are the pioneer of the Nigerian Strongest Man competition?
Yes, as of now, I am. I am the only person actively competing in this sport in Nigeria and the current champion.
When was this sport officially introduced to Nigeria?
The Strongman competition has been in Nigeria for seven years. We have the Nigerian Strongest Man Federation, but we needed an athlete to push the sport forward and bring it to the global stage. That’s where I come in.
I’ve won three consecutive titles in Nigeria, but I don’t want to keep it local—I want to take it to the world stage. That’s why I’m competing in Dubai and eventually at the World’s Strongest Man competition.
Finally, what would you say to inspire others to join this sport?
To those looking up to me, if you want to become Nigeria’s Strongest Man, you must train hard and secure sponsorships. You must also believe in yourself.
I don’t want to be the only Nigerian competing in Strongman competitions—I want more people to join and grow the sport.
Look up to me, train hard, stay dedicated, and you can achieve even greater success. I started from somewhere, and you can too.
With hard work, consistency, and God’s grace, you will reach the top.
