By Stanley Onyekwere
Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister, Barr. Nyesom Wike has committed government backing to the Ladies’ Golf Association of Nigeria (LGAN), pledging support for a permanent national headquarters, junior golf development, and the upcoming All Africa Challenge Trophy (AACT) Nigeria 2026.
Speaking at his official residence in Life Camp, Abuja, during a courtesy visit by an LGAN delegation led by President Dr. Mrs. Lami Ahmed, Wike signaled readiness to allocate land for LGAN’s proposed headquarters and grassroots golf development center, subject to strict development timelines to ensure the property is not left unused.
Regarding the AACT—scheduled for November 2 to 7 at the IBB International Golf and Country Club, Abuja, the Minister confirmed that the FCT Administration has already stepped in to rehabilitate the venue.
Ongoing repairs to the facility have reached approximately 35 percent completion, with contractors working under tight deadlines to meet championship standards.
Addressing the past deterioration of the IBB Golf Club, Wike described the situation as a failure of leadership and an example of the challenges inherent in managing public institutions.
“Why should such a place be run down? It is easy to criticise people who are elected or appointed to superintend over affairs in the country. But you see how difficult it is to run a small place.
“Then you are talking about complex countries and complex societies,” Wike noted.
However, Wike declined the association’s invitation to serve as Chief Host for the event, citing his demanding schedule and the late arrival of the request following the bidding process.
Earlier, LGAN President Dr. Lami Ahmed highlighted that the continental amateur championship—themed “Uniting Africa Through the Greens”—will host delegates and players from over 30 African nations.
She praised Wike’s ongoing contributions to sports, noting his recognition as a “Pillar of Sports Africa,” and emphasized that LGAN aims to build a lasting legacy for women’s sports, grassroots development, and tourism in the nation’s capital.
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