Nigeria Prepares to Host Inaugural West African Para Games in Abeokuta

Olorunfemi AdejuyigbeNovember 13, 20250397 views

Nigeria is set to make history as the host nation for the first-ever West African Para Games, with the National Sports Commission (NSC) announcing the formation of a 13-member Local Organising Committee (LOC) to oversee the landmark sporting event. Scheduled to take place in Abeokuta, Ogun State, from November 26 to December 4, 2025, the West African Para Games represent a significant milestone for Para-sports development across the region.

The announcement, made through an official press statement by Kola Daniel, Special Assistant to the NSC Director General on Media, underscores the federal government’s commitment to positioning Nigeria as a premier destination for international sporting competitions under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Initiative for Nigeria’s Sports Economy (RHINSE).

Strategic Leadership for the West African Para Games

The NSC has appointed Achakpo Victor to chair the LOC, working closely with the Paralympic Committee of Nigeria (PCN) and tasking the committee to ensure the successful delivery of the West African Para Games. The committee comprises experienced sports administrators and organisers who will be responsible for all aspects of the competition, including logistics and accommodations, venue management, and athlete welfare.

The Director General of the NSC, Hon. Bukola Olopade, expressed strong confidence in the committee’s ability to deliver a world-class event that showcases Nigeria’s organisational capabilities. Speaking about the West African Para Games, Olopade emphasised the commission’s commitment to raising standards across all sporting competitions hosted in the country.

“We have had commendable successes with some of the international events Nigeria has hosted this year, including the CAA U18/U20 Athletics Championship in Abeokuta, the National Sports Festival, and some other international competitions, and this one will not be an exception,” Olopade stated.

Building on Recent Success

The West African Para Games take place at a time when Nigeria has successfully hosted several high-profile sporting events, demonstrating its growing competence in delivering international competitions. The choice of Abeokuta as the host city is particularly significant, as the Ogun State capital recently proved its credentials by successfully staging the Confederation of African Athletics (CAA) U18/U20 Athletics Championship.

This track record has bolstered confidence that the West African Para Games will be delivered to the highest standards, providing participating athletes with an exceptional experience whilst showcasing the best of Nigerian hospitality.

Collaboration with the Paralympic Committee

The NSC’s partnership with the Paralympic Committee of Nigeria has been central to bringing the West African Para Games to Nigeria. The PCN President, Sunday Odebode, played a pivotal role in securing Nigeria’s hosting rights for the competition, working tirelessly to convince regional sporting authorities that the country possesses the infrastructure, expertise, and commitment necessary to stage such a significant event.

“We are working closely with the Paralympic Committee of Nigeria, whose president, Sunday Odebode, played a huge role in Nigeria hosting this competition, and we are very optimistic that all the para-athletes across the West African region coming for this tournament will enjoy their stay in Abeokuta and Nigeria at large,” Director General Olopade emphasised.

Comprehensive Organising Committee

The 13-member LOC for the West African Para Games brings together diverse expertise from various sectors of sports administration. Committee members include Babatunde Adeluola, Adesiyan Abimbola, Musa Mustapha, Fayigbe Olubusiyi, and Kelechi Onwudiwe. Additional members are Michael Obasi, Deji Aladegbemi, Muhammed Amin Mahmud, Joy Mayaki, Henrietta Ehiobor, and Hauwa Sulaibu, whilst Suleiman Isah will serve as Secretary of the Committee.

This carefully selected team will be responsible for coordinating all aspects of the West African Para Games, from initial planning through to post-event activities, ensuring that athletes, officials, and spectators enjoy a seamless experience.

Presidential Support and RHINSE Initiative

The hosting of the West African Para Games aligns perfectly with President Tinubu’s vision for Nigerian sports as outlined in the Renewed Hope Initiative for Nigeria’s Sports Economy (RHINSE). This comprehensive framework seeks to transform Nigeria into a preferred destination for international sporting competitions while developing the domestic sports sector as a significant contributor to the national economy.

By hosting the West African Para Games, Nigeria demonstrates its commitment to inclusive sports development, ensuring that para-athletes receive the same level of support, infrastructure, and recognition as their able-bodied counterparts. This approach reflects global best practices in sports development and sends a powerful message about Nigeria’s progressive stance on disability inclusion.

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Regional Significance

The West African Para Games, covering Zones A and B, will bring together para-athletes from across the West African region, providing a competitive platform for athletes with disabilities to showcase their talents and pursue excellence in their respective disciplines. The competition is expected to serve as a qualifying event for higher-level continental and international Para-sports competitions.

Beyond the competitive aspect, the West African Para Games will foster regional cooperation, cultural exchange, and solidarity among West African nations. It will also raise awareness about Para-sports and disability inclusion across the region, potentially inspiring a new generation of para-athletes and changing societal perceptions about disability and athletic achievement.

Infrastructure and Legacy

The choice of Abeokuta to host the West African Para Games ensures that the existing sports infrastructure in the Ogun State capital will be further developed and adapted to meet international Para-sports standards. These improvements will create a lasting legacy, benefiting both para-athletes and the wider community long after the West African Para Games conclude.

As preparations intensify over the coming months, the Local Organising Committee will work closely with state and federal authorities, sporting federations, and international Paralympic sports bodies to ensure that every aspect of the West African Para Games meets or exceeds international standards.

With strong governmental support, experienced leadership, and proven organisational capabilities, Nigeria appears well-positioned to deliver a memorable inaugural West African Para Games that will set new benchmarks for Para-sports competitions across the African continent.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Q: When and where will the West African Para Games take place?

The West African Para Games will be held at the MKO Abiola Stadium in Abeokuta, Ogun State, from November 26 to December 4, 2025.

Q: Who is leading the organisation of the West African Para Games?

Achakpo Victor has been named chairman of the 13-member local organising committee established by the National Sports Commission.

Q: Which countries will participate in the West African Para Games?

The competition covers Zones A and B of West Africa, bringing together para-athletes from across the West African region.

Q: Is this year the first time Nigeria is hosting the West African Para Games?

Yes, this will be the inaugural West African Para Games for Zones A and B.

Q: How does this event align with government policy?

The West African Para Games supports President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Initiative for Nigeria’s Sports Economy (RHINSE), which aims to make Nigeria a preferred destination for international sporting competitions.

Q: What other international events has Nigeria recently hosted?

Nigeria successfully hosted the CAA U18/U20 Athletics Championship in Abeokuta, as well as the National Sports Festival and several other international competitions in 2025.