The call for a new era in African sports leadership echoed powerfully across the M.K.O. Abiola Stadium on Friday night as Samson Deen, President of the African Paralympic Committee (AfPC), delivered an inspiring and historic address at the opening ceremony of the 1st West Africa Para Games in Abeokuta, Ogun State.
Deen declared that Africa stands at a turning point, insisting that the continent needs bold, visionary political leadership in Para Sports—leadership with the conviction and unity of purpose embodied by Dr. Kwame Nkrumah.
“Para Sports needs its own Nkrumah — a political leader who will unite Africa and use sport to promote true inclusion.”
He emphasized that true inclusion cannot rest solely on NGOs, advocates, or goodwill. Instead, it requires Heads of State who set policy, allocate budgets, and champion disability sports as a national and continental priority.
Deen described the event as “not merely a sporting event but the ignition of a continental movement of dignity, equality, and human possibility.” He drew a powerful historic parallel between the West Africa Para Games and the inaugural Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in 1957, reminding leaders that Africa’s iconic institutions were built on unity, courage, and conviction.
“What AFCON became to football, Para Sports must now become to Africa.”
The stadium erupted in applause as he noted that 2025 must mark the year Africa elevates Para Sports from token participation to statecraft and strategic development.
Deen commended the Government of Nigeria for championing inclusive sports development, acknowledging:
• President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for prioritizing inclusive development
• Vice President Kashim Shettima for advancing 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
He declared confidently:
“Ghana lit the flame. Nigeria expands the vision. West Africa now leads the continent.”
Deen positioned Para Sports as a continental bridge—capable of changing attitudes, shaping identity, and uniting African nations across language, culture, and geography. He argued that “true inclusion” goes beyond symbolism and requires:
• Budgeted programmes
• Institutional policies
• Rehabilitation and sports infrastructure
• Legal protections
• Long-term commitment from national governments
Para Sports, he insisted, must become a pan-African platform for equality and dignity.
In a passionate appeal, Deen outlined a future where:
• Every stadium in Africa is accessible
• Para Sports has dedicated budget lines in all Sports Ministries
• Para athletes become household names
• Disability is seen through a lens of possibility, not pity
• Inclusion is embedded in national constitutions
This vision, he stressed, is not a dream — but a decision, one that begins in Abeokuta and must be championed at the highest political levels.
Turning directly to the athletes from 13 participating nations, Deen delivered one of the most emotional moments of the night:
“You are the heroes of this new era. You rise where others fall. You break barriers others surrender to.”
He reminded them that their performances will influence policies and inspire millions of persons with disabilities across Africa.
To thunderous applause and a sky lit with fireworks, Samson Deen proclaimed:
“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.”
The Games bring together athletes from Ghana, Nigeria, Sierra Leone, Senegal, Mali, Liberia, Benin, Togo, The Gambia, Guinea, Cape Verde, DR Congo and Cameroon, marking a bold new chapter in Africa’s sporting evolution.
As the Games begin, Abeokuta now stands as the birthplace of a renewed African agenda—one centered on inclusion, excellence, unity, and continental pride.
And as Deen concluded:
“Africa needs a leader with Nkrumah’s spirit to elevate Para Sports and create equal opportunities for millions of persons with disabilities.”
“Together, we rise. Together, we win.”
Story by: Jones Adzi/Nigeria
