By Olanrewaju Agiri
The 3rd edition of the National Para Sports Festival Opens today in Nigeria’s capital, Abuja, with defending champions Bayelsa State aiming to secure a third consecutive title at the competition.
The athletes over the weekend alleged that the cancellation occurred because the Commissioner for Youths and Sports, Waslat Adegoke failed to present the necessary documents to the Governor for approval and release of funds, despite reportedly receiving official notification for the competition as far back as January.
According to several of the affected athletes, the situation has caused significant emotional and financial hardship, particularly for athletes living with disabilities who had already spent large sums of money traveling from different parts of the state to converge at the Lekan Salami Stadium in Ibadan in preparation for the trip. Some members of the contingent had even traveled to Abuja ahead of the event before they were informed that Oyo State would no longer participate.
Many of the athletes, including visually impaired and physically challenged participants, expressed deep frustration over what they described as repeated neglect of para-athletes in the state. They said the last-minute cancellation not only wasted their personal funds but also denied them the opportunity to compete, win medals, and improve their rankings and careers.
The athletes are now appealing directly to the Governor Seyi Makinde to intervene in the matter. They are also calling on the state government to pay outstanding award compensation and bonuses to medal winners from the last National Sports Festival and other national competitions, noting that several other states have already paid their athletes.
“This award compensation is what we usually depend on to improve our lots and the Governor has promised to host us following our protest to his office last time, but the commissioner that is supposed to push our files to the Governor for implementation and her deficiency in her official duties has continued to cause us more pains than gains,” said one of the special athlete that talked on condition of anonymity.
In addition, the athletes complained about the delay in confirming some of them as permanent staff of the Oyo State Sports Council and the failure to promote those already employed. They warned that the lack of welfare, job security, and incentives is forcing many talented athletes to leave Oyo State to represent other states that offer better support and recognition.
The athletes urged the government to prioritize the welfare of para-athletes and sports development in the state, stressing that they continue to bring pride and recognition to Oyo State despite limited support and challenging conditions.
They called for an urgent investigation into the circumstances that led to the cancellation and appealed for compensation for the financial losses they incurred preparing for the competition.
The festival, which runs from 26th March to 3rd April 2026, with its official opening ceremony held 28th March, has drawn athletes with disabilities from across the country to compete in events such as athletics, wheelchair basketball, para powerlifting, and amputee football.
