By: Kwame Bediako
The African Paralympic Committee (AfPC) has extended warm congratulations to Nigeria’s National Sports Commission (NSC) and the Paralympic Committee of Nigeria (PCN) following their announcement of a 13-member Local Organizing Committee (LOC) for the inaugural West African Para Games.
The event is scheduled to take place in Abeokuta, Ogun State, from November 26 to December 4, 2025, marking a historic milestone in West African para-sport.
This crucial organizational step aligns closely with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s renewed vision for Nigeria’s sports sector, embodied in the Renewed Hope Initiative for Nigeria’s Sports Economy (RHINSE).
The initiative aims to position Nigeria as a leading hub for major international sporting events, signaling a strategic focus on elevating the country’s sporting stature regionally and globally.
The AfPC singled out the leadership of NSC Director General Hon. Bukola Olopade and LOC Chairman Achakpo Victor, commending their dedication to delivering a world-class competition.
Their commitment to raising organizational standards demonstrates Nigeria’s preparedness and determination to host a smoothly run, highly competitive para-sport tournament, setting a new benchmark for the region.
Sunday Odebode, President of the Paralympic Committee of Nigeria and an Executive Board Member of AfPC, also received special recognition.
The AfPC highlighted Odebode’s relentless advocacy and influential continental engagements that played a pivotal role in successfully securing the hosting rights for Nigeria, underscoring his instrumental contribution to the advancement of para-sport in West Africa.
Looking ahead, the African Paralympic Committee expressed confidence that the upcoming games in Abeokuta will offer an inspiring platform for para-athletes, coaches, officials, and fans from across West Africa.
The event is expected to foster greater regional cooperation, deepen talent development, and expand opportunities for athletes with disabilities, reinforcing a stronger, more inclusive Paralympic movement across the continent.
