The African Paralympic Committee has appealed to Governor Dapo Abiodun of Ogun State, to approve the first West African Paralympic Games scheduled to hold from 14th to 20th September.
The passionate appeal was made by the President of African Paralympic Commitee, Mr Samson Deen, in an interview with journalists, in Abeokuta, the Ogun State capital, last Wednesday.
Deen, who is the President of Ghana Paralympic Committee, led others on an inspection tour of the MKO Abiola International Stadium and Ijeja Sports facilities, ahead of the games.
He expressed satisfaction about the facilities inspected, saying the facilities are well enough and in good conditions to host the madien edition West Africa zone A and B para games in Abeokuta, the state capital.
Deen said, “I am very happy and really impressed about the MKO Abiola facility and others that I have seen. It is more than what we expected. What we have seen qualifies to organise such an huge event for the West African region.
“Nigeria is blessed with a leader ,someone who leads the West African region and through that we have engaged as the Board of the African region that there should be regional events for the Zone, West Africa.
“I am happy that this place is chosen for such first time event. “
He lauded the the Ogun State government under the leadership of Abiodun for engaging in sports development, adding that the State is doing well, in the promotion of sports.
Deen said the last National Sports Festival was a testament to the fact that the Governor was a lover of sports, and one who believed in sports tourism for all round development.
He, however, acknowledged the fact that the State can host the first of its kind event with determination.
The APC committee said further, “I know most often, it is not in the budget, but, when we are determined to do it, it is possible. I have watched some of the beautiful moments, the joy in the faces of many Nigerians, who have travelled from far and near, to participate in the last edition of the National Sports Festival.
“We have watched through different social media platforms and we believed that this is also another platform that will encourage business.”
He also pleaded with the media, the Nigeria community to support disability sports, and not to see it as something inferior.
“Let us come together and not feel that rendering a good opportunity to persons with disabilities is something inferior.
“I want to appeal to Governor Abiodun , and investors to come together and host this competition,” Deen added.
The President of Paralympic Commitee of Nigeria, (PCN) Sunday Odebode, expressed optimism that the event would get the approval of Governor Abiodun.
He revealed that Governor Abiodun had accepted the proposal concerning the competition.
While the state Commissioner for Sports Development, Hon.Wasiu Isiaka, said the investment of government in the area of sport is yielding positive results.
Isiaka noted that tbe state is ready to partner with individuals, corporate organisations about sports development.
