States shame para athletes as Abuja Games expose deep neglect

 

By Maxwell Kumoye 

 

 

For all the noise about inclusivity in global sport, Nigeria’s states have once again been caught on the wrong side of history and this time, the evidence was laid bare at the just concluded 3rd National Para Games in Abuja.

While the world is moving steadily toward equal opportunity for athletes with disabilities, many State Sports Councils in Nigeria are still stuck in a cycle of indifference, lip service, and outright neglect.

The result? A national showpiece meant to celebrate resilience and excellence instead exposed a troubling lack of commitment from those entrusted with grassroots sports development.

Only 24 states and the FCT showed up for the nine-day competition, a damning statistic on its own. 

Worse still, several of those who attended arrived with depleted contingents, poorly equipped teams, and embarrassingly inadequate kits. 

In some cases, athletes who fought their way to the podium had no proper attire for medal presentations, a symbolic failure that cuts deep.

The absence of leadership was even more glaring. Many delegations came without top officials to give direction and support to the athletes, no directors, no commissioners, as though Para athletes were not deserving of the same institutional backing given to their able-bodied counterparts.

Incredibly, a Sports Commissioner from the South West reportedly had no knowledge of the Games, despite widespread publicity and a visible countdown to the event.

For others, preparations were non-existent. Days to the competition, there were no teams, no funding plans, and no urgency. 

Yet, these same states will spare no expense during the National Sports Festival, splashing millions to recruit, poach, and incentivize athletes in a desperate bid for medals and prestige.

The contrast is not just stark, it is shameful.

This neglect persists despite substantial monthly federal allocations to states, raising serious questions about priorities and accountability. 

If funds exist, why are Para athletes consistently treated as an afterthought?

Ironically, at the federal level, the story is markedly different. The National Sports Commission has shown commendable commitment to Para Sports, backed by increased funding and deliberate development initiatives. 

That investment is already yielding results.

Nigeria’s wheelchair basketball team has secured qualification for the Commonwealth Games, a testament to what structured support can achieve. 

Ogun State also stepped up to host the maiden West African Para Games in Abeokuta, positioning Nigeria as a regional leader in adaptive sports.

But even that highlight carries a bitter twist, Ogun was among the states absent in Abuja.

It is this contradiction that defines the current crisis, progress at the top, apathy at the base.

Para athletes continue to rise above limitations, pushing boundaries and bringing pride to the nation. Yet, they do so in spite of the system, not because of it.

The National Sports Commission must now move beyond encouragement to enforcement. 

States that failed to participate in the country’s premier Para Sporting event should be sanctioned. 

Accountability mechanisms must be introduced to ensure that sports funding, particularly for para athletes is not ignored or mismanaged.

Anything less would amount to complicity.

Because until state governments match words with action, Nigeria’s claim to inclusivity in sport will remain hollow and its para athletes will continue to fight battles far beyond the field of play.