The West African Paralympic Movement witnessed a defining moment on Friday night as Mr. Samson Deen, President of the African Paralympic Committee (AfPC), delivered a powerful keynote address to officially open the 1st West Africa Para Games in Abeokuta, Ogun State.
Speaking before Governor of Ogun State, ministers, traditional authorities, sports leaders and hundreds of athletes, Deen declared that the event represents “not merely a sporting event but the ignition of a continental movement of dignity, equality, and human possibility.”
In his address, Deen drew a historic parallel between the Games and the inaugural Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) held in 1957, noting that Africa’s greatest institutions were founded on courage and unity.
“What AFCON became to football, Para Sports must now become to Africa,”
he stated, describing the Games as a crucial step toward institutionalising Para Sports as a continental priority.
Deen expressed deep appreciation to the Government of Nigeria for championing inclusive sports development. He commended:
• President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for advancing inclusive development,
• Vice President Kashim Shettima for supporting youth and sports diplomacy,
• First Lady Senator Oluremi Tinubu, Patron of the African Paralympic Movement,
• Ogun State Governor Dapo Abiodun and the Local Organizing Committee for hosting a world-class event,
• The National Sports Commission and
• NPC Nigeria President Sunday Odebode for their leadership.
He declared:
“Ghana lit the flame. Nigeria expands the vision. West Africa now leads the continent.”
Highlighting the broader impact of Para Sports, Deen outlined six key benefits of strengthening the sector across Africa: national unity, youth empowerment, sports tourism, job creation, global moral leadership and the restoration of Africa’s dignity on the world stage.
He urged African leaders to make Para Sports a continental priority, describing 2025 as a historic turning point.
Addressing the athletes, Deen delivered one of the most emotional moments of the evening, saying:
“You are the heroes of this new era. You rise where others fall. You break barriers others surrender to.”
He emphasized that their performances will influence policies and reshape perceptions of disability across the continent.
Deen also outlined a bold vision for the future of African sports—one in which stadiums are fully accessible, Para Sports receive dedicated budget lines, Para athletes become household names, and inclusion becomes a constitutional value rather than a ceremonial pledge.
He stressed that this vision is “not a dream, but a decision”— one that begins in Abeokuta.
With the crowd on its feet, Samson Deen officially declared the Games open:
“With the blessings of our leaders, with the spirit of AFCON 1957, with the flame lit in Accra 2023, and with the courage of our athletes, I declare the 1st West Africa Para Games officially open.”
Fireworks lit up the Abeokuta skyline as the stadium erupted in celebration.
The 1st West Africa Para Games will host athletes from Ghana, Nigeria, Sierra Leone, Senegal, Mali, Liberia, Benin, Togo, The Gambia, Guinea, Cape Verde, DR Congo and Cameroon, marking the start of a new chapter in Africa’s sporting history.
Abeokuta now stands as the birthplace of a continental vision centered on inclusion, excellence and unity.
“Together, we rise. Together, we win.”
Credit: AfPC
