By Victor Okoye
The Ladies Golf Association of Nigeria (LGAN) has honoured Prof. Chief Johnbosco Ozigbu for supporting ladies’ golf development in Nigeria.
LGAN President Dr Lami Onayi Ahmed and executive members presented a plaque to Ozigbu during a courtesy visit in Port Harcourt.
The association described Ozigbu as a committed supporter whose contributions had strengthened women’s participation and growth in golf nationwide.
The visit formed part of preparations for the 2026 All Africa Challenge Trophy (AACT), scheduled for Nov. 1 to Nov. 7 in Abuja.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the AACT is one of Africa’s leading female amateur golf championships.
The championship will hold at the IBB International Golf and Country Club, Abuja, with golfers expected from more than 30 African countries.
The tournament, themed “Uniting Africa Through the Greens,” aims to promote friendship, sportsmanship and continental unity through golf.
Similarly, Dame Aleruchi Cookey-Gam, Matron of LGAN Eastern Zone, was decorated as an AACT Ambassador during the 3rd LGAN Inter-Club Championship in Port Harcourt.
The honour recognised her leadership and contributions to female golf development in the Eastern Zone and across Nigeria.
Speaking after receiving the plaque, Ozigbu thanked LGAN for the recognition and pledged continued support for ladies’ golf development.
“I am deeply honoured by this recognition. Women’s golf deserves encouragement, investment, and platforms to inspire younger generations,” he said.
Ozigbu said Nigeria could become a major force in African golf through collective commitment and grassroots development.
Cookey-Gam expressed gratitude for her appointment as AACT Ambassador, describing it as a call to greater service for women’s golf.
“I feel honoured to serve as ambassador for this prestigious championship and will continue supporting initiatives that uplift female golfers,” she said.
She thanked LGAN leadership and members for the honour, describing the gesture as encouraging and inspiring.
Cookey-Gam described the 3rd LGAN Inter-Club Championship as remarkable, with no fewer than 31 clubs participating.
“If this outing reflects our future direction, then we are indeed making steady progress,” she said.
She congratulated the LGAN President, LOC Chairman, Barr. Nkoyo Igunbor, and former LGAN President, Evelyn Oyome, for always being there as a pillar of support.
Cookey-Gam assured LGAN executives of her commitment to the success of the upcoming AACT in Abuja.
She expressed confidence in Abuja’s capacity to host participants from across Africa successfully.
Cookey-Gam urged corporate organisations and sports enthusiasts to support the championship for lasting impact on African golf.
“We need continuous support to ensure a truly remarkable championship,” she said.
LGAN President Lami Ahmed noted that preparations for the AACT were progressing steadily ahead of the continental championship.
“We are committed to hosting a world-class tournament showcasing Nigeria’s hospitality, sporting excellence and unity through golf,” she said.
She commended stakeholders and sponsors supporting LGAN’s vision of empowering female golfers across Nigeria and Africa. (NAN)