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Samson Deen, the president of the African Paralympic Committee (AfPC), concluded a pivotal visit to Nigeria on 31 July 2025 to prepare for the historic 1st West Africa Para Games, set to take place in September 2025 in Abeokuta, Ogun State.
The visit underscores a regional commitment to advancing inclusive sports and empowering athletes with disabilities across the ECOWAS region.
Venue inspection signals readiness
Deen visited the M K O Abiola Sports Arena, inspecting facilities including the athletics oval, football pitch, swimming pool and tennis and basketball courts.
The tour confirmed that Ogun State is prepared to host hundreds of para-athletes and officials at West Africa’s first subregional paralympic sports event.
In discussions with Wasiu Isiaka, Ogun State’s commissioner for sports, Deen explored strategies to enhance accessibility, operational plans and the Games’ long-term legacy. He praised Ogun State’s proactive vision, urging Governor Dapo Abiodun to rally national and regional support for the event’s success.
Continental milestone
Deen officially endorsed the Paralympic Games, calling them a “continental turning point” for inclusive sports diplomacy.
“The West Africa Para Games is Africa’s declaration that ability has no limit, and disability is not inability,” he said. “Ogun State is poised to make history for a generation.”
Deen emphasised the need for African nations to invest in local paralympic and other sports infrastructure rather than relying on costly international competitions. “Hosting games in Africa is cheaper, feels like home, and avoids visa denials and unfamiliar conditions that hinder our athletes’ performance,” he said.
Call to African businesses
Deen urged African business leaders to invest in disability sports, describing it as a high-impact opportunity to foster dignity, youth empowerment and social innovation.
“When businesses back disability sports, they invest in hope and equity across Africa,” Deen said.
Legacy of inclusion
Beyond competition, the Games aim to drive disability inclusion policies, boost regional sports funding, and foster collaboration among West African nations. The event is expected to help reshape social perception and create sustainable opportunities for people with disabilities.
Preparations are intensifying, with the AfPC collaborating closely with Ogun State, the National Paralympic Committee of Nigeria (NPC Nigeria), and regional stakeholders to deliver a world-class event.
Among the other prominent guests present at the meeting were Sunday Odebode (president, NPC Nigeria), Suleiman Issah (secretary general of NPC Nigeria), Ignatius Elletey (head of secretariat/administration, AfPC) and Foster Kwarteng (head of protocol services, AfPC).
The West Africa Para Games marks a bold step towards a more inclusive and empowered African approach to sports.
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