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Els MBN360 Sports
The President of the African Paralympic Committee (AfPC), Samson Deen, delivered a powerful keynote address at the opening ceremony of the 1st West Africa Para Games in Abeokuta, Ogun State, Nigeria, on November 28, 2025. Deen’s speech sparked a new para movement, emphasizing the importance of inclusion, equality, and human possibility in African sports ¹ ² ³.
Deen officially declared the Games open, highlighting the participation of athletes from 13 West African countries, including Ghana, Nigeria, Sierra Leone, and Senegal. He drew a historic connection between the Games and the inaugural Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) held in 1957, stating that Para Sports must now become to Africa what AFCON became to football.
The AfPC President outlined a bold vision for African sports, calling for accessible stadiums, dedicated budget lines for Para Sports, and wider public recognition of Para athletes. He emphasized that inclusion should be a constitutional value, not just a ceremonial pledge.
Deen commended Nigerian leaders, including President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Vice President Kashim Shettima, and First Lady Senator Oluremi Tinubu, for their support of inclusive sports development. He also acknowledged the efforts of Ogun State Governor Dapo Abiodun and the Local Organizing Committee ¹ ².
The event marked a significant milestone in African sporting history, with Deen stating, “Ghana lit the flame. Nigeria expands the vision. West Africa now leads the continent”
