By Joel Ajayi
The President of the Ladies Golf Association of Nigeria (LGAN) and Chairperson of the 2026 All Africa Challenge Trophy (AACT), Dr. Lami Ahmed, has commended Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, and other stakeholders for their contributions to the successful hosting of the continental women’s golf championship in Abuja.
Ahmed described the competition, which took place at the IBB International Golf and Country Club, Abuja, as a successful outing that further strengthened Nigeria’s position in the development of women’s golf in Africa.
She made the remarks at the closing banquet organised in honour of participating players, officials, sponsors and other stakeholders at the Bola Ahmed Tinubu International Conference Centre, Abuja.
The LGAN President expressed appreciation to the African golfing authorities, including The R&A, for giving Nigeria the opportunity to host the prestigious championship.
“We are grateful to the AACT leadership for giving Nigeria this opportunity and to the IBB International Golf and Country Club for providing its facilities,” she said.
Ahmed particularly applauded the First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, for accepting to serve as patron of the championship, noting that her involvement significantly enhanced the profile of the competition.
“We are also deeply grateful to the First Lady, Sen. Oluremi Tinubu, whose acceptance to become patron of the championship changed the entire outlook of the competition,” she added.
She also acknowledged the contributions of Senate President Godswill Akpabio, Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas, Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, other state governors and FCT Minister Nyesom Wike for their moral and financial support.
Similarly, AACT Trustee for West and Central Africa, Ekanem Ekwueme, said the championship had reinforced the importance of regional cooperation in developing women’s golf.
Ekwueme noted that Nigeria’s successful hosting and the performances of participating countries reflected the progress being made in expanding opportunities for female golfers across Africa.
She particularly highlighted the emergence of young talents such as Muthomi and Ngecu, describing their performances as encouraging signs for the future of the sport.
She urged stakeholders to sustain the momentum through increased investment in grassroots golf development, coaching programmes, junior competitions and improved playing facilities.
The championship attracted participants from several African countries, including South Africa, Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, Zambia, Botswana, Zimbabwe, Ghana, Rwanda, Tunisia, Gabon, Mauritius, Namibia, Malawi, Eswatini, Senegal, Cameroon, Togo and hosts Nigeria.
The 2026 edition further reinforced the AACT’s reputation as one of Africa’s leading platforms for promoting women’s amateur golf, continental unity and emerging talents.
