Spotlight on Inclusion: Ogun gears Up for historic West African para games debut

Abeokuta, Ogun – Abeokuta is poised to make history as host of the inaugural West African Para Games, a landmark event aimed at elevating adaptive sports across the region and championing athletes with disabilities.
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‎Preparations are in full swing, with the Ogun State Government confirming the city's readiness to welcome competitors from at least 10 nations for this groundbreaking multi-sport festival.
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‎Slated for December 2025, the games will feature disciplines like para-athletics, wheelchair basketball, and boccia, drawing inspiration from global spectacles like the Paralympics.
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‎"This isn't just about medals it's about shattering barriers and showcasing African resilience," declared Ogun's Commissioner for Youth and Sports, Oludaisi Odunuga
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‎The event, organized under the West African Para Sports Confederation, expects over 500 participants and promises world-class facilities at the MKO Abiola Stadium, upgraded with accessibility ramps and adaptive equipment.
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‎Backed by a N500 million state allocation, DAILY South Nigeria understands that the initiative aligns with Nigeria's push for inclusive development post the 2024 National Sports Festival.
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‎Local para-athletes, including Paralympic medalist Aisha Mohammed, hailed it as a "game-changer" for funding and visibility in a region where disability sports often lag behind mainstream efforts.
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‎Experts predict the games could inject N2 billion into the local economy via tourism and broadcasting deals with the African Union.
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‎As flags rise over Abeokuta, this maiden edition signals a bolder era for para sports in West Africa, one leap at a time.
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