Ladies Golf Association of Nigeria Seeks Ministry Partnership for 2026 All-Africa Challenge Trophy

The Ladies Golf Association of Nigeria (LGAN) has proposed a partnership with the Federal Ministry of Art, Culture, Tourism and Creative Economy to co-host the 2026 All-Africa Challenge Trophy (AACT) in Abuja. The proposal was presented on May 2, 2026, by Dr Lami Onayi Ahmed, President of LGAN and Chairperson of the AACT 2026 Local Organising Committee, during a courtesy visit to the Minister of Art, Culture, Tourism and Creative Economy, Hannatu Musa Musawa, in Abuja.

Under the proposed collaboration, the ministry would serve as the Cultural Night Partner for the championship, curating a showcase of Nigerian arts, music, fashion and cuisine for participating African teams, diplomats, government officials and international media.

LGAN also requested that the ministry designate AACT 2026 as an Official Cultural Economy Event and facilitate the inclusion of the tournament’s Sports-to-Business Investment Pavilion in Nigeria’s creative economy presentation at the 4th Nigeria-Belgium-Luxembourg Business Forum scheduled to hold in Brussels from October 28 to 30, 2026.

Responding to the proposal, Minister Hannatu said the ministry would review the request and explore areas of collaboration.

“Golf is not just a sport. It is a community. It builds resilience, gives you a huge appreciation of nature, and, from a mental health point of view, it is a sport that should be spread and encouraged for young Nigerians to embrace.

The minister noted that hosting the championship at the IBB International Golf and Country Club, Abuja, from November 2 to 7, 2026, presents an opportunity to promote tourism in the Federal Capital Territory and showcase destinations beyond Lagos.

“Abuja, being the capital of Nigeria, is a great opportunity for us to make that a staple for people to come in. We have to move that conversation away from Lagos to show what other parts of Nigeria have to offer. The local community is going to benefit as we leverage this opportunity in the FCT,” she added.

AACT 2026, sanctioned by the Royal and Ancient Golf Club of St Andrews, is expected to attract more than 30 African national delegations, diplomats, government representatives and international media to Abuja for a week of golf, cultural exchange and business engagement.