By Amaechi Agbo
As the 2026 All Africa Challenge Trophy (AACT) begins on Monday, Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Barrister Nyesom Wike, has pledged support for the successful hosting of the continental women’s golf championship and the long-term development of women’s and junior golf in Nigeria.
Wike made the commitments when he received a delegation of the Ladies Golf Association of Nigeria (LGAN), led by its President, Dr Lami Onayi Ahmed, at his official residence in Life Camp, Abuja.
Among the key outcomes of the meeting was the minister’s pledge to support the construction of a permanent office for LGAN, alongside assistance towards the association’s request for facilities to promote junior golf development in the Federal Capital Territory.
He also agreed to a 50-50 cost-sharing arrangement with the association for the use of the Bola Ahmed Tinubu International Conference Centre for the AACT 2026 closing banquet and prize presentation.
On the championship itself, Wike assured the delegation of his support, while acknowledging the efforts being made to prepare the IBB International Golf & Country Club for the competition.
He disclosed that the FCT Administration had intervened in addressing the deteriorating condition of the golf facility, with renovation and improvement work having reached about 35 per cent completion at the time of the meeting. He said the government had engaged the company responsible for the golf course construction to undertake the necessary improvements ahead of the tournament.
On LGAN’s request for land for its permanent office and golf development initiatives, the minister said the administration was willing to consider the proposal, subject to clear development timelines and commitments to ensure that any allocated property is put to use.
The pledges represent an important boost to the association’s vision of using the championship to build a lasting foundation for women’s golf, grassroots participation and sports development in the FCT.
Earlier, LGAN President Dr Lami Onayi Ahmed said the championship would attract golfers and delegates from more than 30 African countries, providing Abuja with an opportunity to showcase its hospitality, sporting facilities and tourism potential.
She appealed for the minister’s endorsement and support for women’s and junior golf, stressing that the association’s ambition extended beyond hosting the tournament to creating sustainable opportunities for future generations.
The 2026 edition will be Nigeria’s third time hosting the All Africa Challenge Trophy, following previous championships in 1996 at Ikoyi Club 1938, Lagos, and in 2010 at the IBB International Golf & Country Club, Abuja.
The tournament will take place from November 2 to 7 at the IBB International Golf & Country Club, Abuja, under the theme “Uniting Africa through the greens.”
With one day remaining, the support pledged by the FCT Administration adds to the growing institutional backing for a championship expected to bring together women golfers from across the continent, while advancing a wider vision for the future of golf in Nigeria.
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