By Victor Okoye
The Ladies Golf Association of Nigeria (LGAN) has sought partnership with the Federal Ministry of Art, Culture, Tourism and Creative Economy for the successful hosting of the 2026 All Africa Challenge Trophy (AACT).LGAN President, Dr. Lami Onayi Ahmed made the appeal during a meeting with the Minister of Art, Culture, Tourism and Creative Economy, Barr. Hannatu Musa Musawa, in Abuja.
Ahmed described the AACT as Africa’s premier women’s golf championship sanctioned by The Royal and Ancient Golf Club of St Andrews.She said Nigeria had previously hosted the tournament in Lagos in 1996 and Abuja in 2010.
“Hosting the championship again is a vote of confidence in Nigeria and the capacity of Nigerian women to deliver a world-class continental event,” she said.
According to her, Abuja will host more than 30 African delegations from Nov. 2 to Nov. 7, 2026.She said participants would include players, officials, diplomats, and government representatives from across the continent.Ahmed noted that the event would provide opportunities for tourism promotion, cultural exchange, and business engagement.
.“We are not merely organising a golf tournament. We are creating a platform that projects Nigeria’s culture, hospitality, and economic potential to Africa,” she said.The LGAN president said the championship aligns with the ministry’s vision of expanding tourism, culture, and the creative economy.
She added that visiting delegations would patronise hotels, tourist sites, entertainers, photographers, and other service providers.“This event directly supports tourism growth, job creation, and cultural promotion, which are key priorities of the ministry,” Ahmed said.
She identified the AACT Cultural Night as a major highlight of the championship.According to her, the event will showcase Nigerian music, fashion, cuisine, and artistic performances before African delegates and international media.Ahmed appealed to the ministry to serve as the official Cultural Night Partner for the tournament.
“We want the ministry to own and curate the Cultural Night, ensuring Nigeria presents its best cultural offerings to Africa and the world,” she said.
She also urged the ministry to designate AACT 2026 as an official cultural economy event.Ahmed further requested support for promoting the championship at the Nigeria-Belgium-Luxembourg Business Forum scheduled for Brussels in October 2026.Responding, the Minister, Barr. Hannatu Musa Musawa commended LGAN for leveraging sports as a platform for tourism, culture, and economic development.Musawa said the ministry remained committed to initiatives that project Nigeria positively on the global stage.
“The AACT presents a unique opportunity to showcase Nigeria’s creative and cultural assets to the rest of Africa,” she said.
She noted that sports tourism had become a major driver of economic growth in many countries.According to her, strategic events such as the AACT can strengthen Nigeria’s position as a preferred destination for culture, tourism, and investment.Musawa assured the delegation that the ministry would study the proposals and explore areas of collaboration.“We welcome partnerships that align with our mandate of promoting culture, tourism, and the creative economy while creating opportunities for Nigerians,” she said.
The minister added that empowering women through sports and culture remains an important component of national development.The AACT 2026 is expected to attract participants from more than 30 African countries and feature a Sports-to-Business Investment Pavilion alongside competitive golf activities.(NAN)