The Senior Special Assistant to the President on Grassroots Sports Development, Hon. Adeyinka Adeboye, has extended warm greetings to participating nations as the 1st Edition of the West Africa Para Games officially kicked off at the MKO Abiola Stadium in Abeokuta.
With the opening ceremony successfully held and competitions already in full swing, the SSA praised the National Sports Commission (NSC), the Paralympic Committee of Nigeria (PCN), and the Government of Ogun State for delivering what he described as “a groundbreaking moment in African para sports history.”
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Hon. Adeboye commended NSC Chairman, Mallam Shehu Dikko, and Director General, Hon. Bukola Olopade, for their exceptional leadership and coordination in hosting the maiden edition.
“The West Africa Para Games have begun, and Nigeria is proudly leading the way. This historic moment shows our commitment to inclusion, empowerment, and excellence in sports. The world is watching, and Nigeria is delivering,” Adeboye stated.
With over 500 Para athletes from across West Africa competing in 11 different sports, the SSA emphasized that the Games are a celebration of courage, talent, and determination.
He extended heartfelt greetings to all visiting countries, noting that their presence confirms the unity of purpose within the region.
“To all our brothers and sisters from across West Africa—Nigeria welcomes you. Ogun State welcomes you. This is your home for the next few days, and we are honoured to host you,” he said.
Adeboye also applauded President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s unwavering support through the Renewed Hope Initiative for Nigeria Sports Economy (RHINSE), describing the hosting of the event as yet another achievement under the administration’s sports development strategy.
As competition intensifies, with Team Nigeria already engaging in events including the much-anticipated Amputee Football clash against Cameroon, Adeboye urged Nigerians to give their maximum support.
“Our para athletes are champions—each one of them. Let us cheer them, celebrate them, and stand firmly behind them. They inspire us with their resilience and remind us of the true spirit of sport,” he added.
The historic Games, now officially underway, promise six days of top-level competition, regional unity, and unforgettable sporting moments as Nigeria proudly leads the continent into a new era of para sports excellence.
