In a significant show of regional solidarity and commitment to inclusive sports development, the President of the African Paralympic Committee (AfPC), Mr. Samson Deen, paid an official visit to Nigeria on Thursday, 31st July 2025, ahead of the historic 1st West Africa Para Games, set to take place in Abeokuta, Ogun State in September 2025.

The visit forms part of the AfPC’s strategic mission to galvanize African governments, political stakeholders, and business communities to invest meaningfully in disability sports infrastructure, empowerment programs, and inclusive development.

An Inspiring Venue, A Historic Opportunity

President Deen’s itinerary included a thorough inspection of the M.K.O. Abiola Sports Arena in Abeokuta, where he visited key facilities including the athletics oval, football pitch, swimming pool, tennis and basketball courts.

The tour was aimed at assessing Ogun State’s state of readiness to host what will be West Africa’s first sub-regional para sports event, expected to welcome hundreds of para-athletes and officials from across the ECOWAS region.

“We need to change our mentality from being tourists crossing the borders of the African region to Europe and America by investing in games that will see us give enough opportunity and exposure to our athletes here in Africa.

"It is cheaper, just next door, and feels like home — rather than queue for visas, get denied, and shut the door on the athlete. We often spend thousands of dollars on tickets, accommodation, and feeding abroad, only to be faced with cold weather conditions that reduce our teams' confidence to perform.”

In addition, Mr. Deen engaged in high-level deliberations with the Ogun State Commissioner for Sports, Hon. Wasiu Isiaka, where both parties discussed operational strategy, accessibility upgrades, and the long-term legacy potential of the Games.

AfPC’s Full Endorsement and Rallying Call

Speaking to the media after the facility inspection, Mr. Deen officially announced the endorsement of the Games by the African Paralympic Committee, describing it as a “continental turning point” for inclusive sports diplomacy and empowerment.

“The West Africa Para Games is not just a tournament — it is Africa’s declaration that ability has no limit, and disability is not inability. Ogun State now stands on the cusp of making history for an entire generation.” — Mr. Samson Deen

He lauded Ogun State’s proactive vision and infrastructure development, encouraging His Excellency, the Governor of Ogun State, to use his influence and political platform to rally both national and regional support for the event’s success and sustainability.

A Message to African Business Leaders

The AfPC President also used the occasion to call upon the private sector and African business leaders to seize the moment and back disability sports as a high-impact investment in dignity, youth, and social innovation.

“When African businesses invest in disability sports, they invest in hope, in unity, and in the power of human potential. This is our moment to build arenas of equity across Africa.” — Mr. Samson Deen

Legacy Beyond the Games

Beyond competition, the West Africa Para Games is expected to spark new disability inclusion policies, boost regional sports funding, and strengthen collaborative frameworks among West African nations. It aims to reshape how African societies perceive and support persons with disabilities, creating sustainable pathways for participation and leadership in all sectors.

Preparations continue to accelerate, with the AfPC working in close partnership with the Government of Ogun State, the National Paralympic Committee of Nigeria (NPC Nigeria), and other regional and development stakeholders to ensure a world-class inaugural event.

Dignitaries in Attendance Included:

• Mr. Sunday Odebode, President, NPC Nigeria
• Mr. Suleiman Issah, Secretary-General, NPC Nigeria
• Mr. Ignatius Elletey, Head of Secretariat/Administration, AfPC
• Mr. Foster Kwarteng, Head of Protocol Services, AfPC