By Victor Okoye
Dr Mustapha Abdullahi, the Director-General of the Energy Commission of Nigeria (ECN), says the Commission will partner and support the Ladies Golf Association of Nigeria (LGAN) to boost Nigeria’s successful hosting of the 2026 All Africa Challenge Trophy (AACT) in Abuja.
Abdullahi made the remarks on Friday during a courtesy call by the LGAN President, Dr Lami Onayi Ahmed, and her team to the commission’s headquarters in Abuja.
He said sports remain a strong platform for national unity, youth engagement, and international cooperation, aligning with the Federal Government’s development priorities.
He commended the Ladies Golf Association of Nigeria (LGAN) for securing hosting rights for the 2026 All Africa Challenge Trophy in Abuja.
“The Commission is pleased with initiatives that project Nigeria positively and bring the continent together through healthy competition and shared development goals,” he said.
Abdullahi noted that hosting international events would stimulate tourism, strengthen infrastructure use, and promote Nigeria’s capacity to organise major continental championships.
“Sports diplomacy plays an important role in national development, and we are proud to be associated with initiatives promoting Africa’s unity and Nigeria’s leadership,” he added.
The ECN boss thanked LGAN for recognising the Commission and pledged continued collaboration with the association.
“We appreciate this honour and remain committed to supporting platforms such as yours which encourages youth participation, women’s leadership, and national development,” he said.
Abdullahi also highlighted the mandate of the Energy Commission of Nigeria as the apex government body responsible for strategic planning and coordination of national energy policies.
According to him, the Commission was established in 1979 to guide Nigeria’s energy development and ensure sustainable utilisation of resources across oil, gas, and renewable sectors.
“The Commission plays a central role in shaping policies that promote energy security, efficiency, and sustainable development for national growth,” he said.
He explained that ECN was leading Nigeria’s transition to renewable energy through initiatives focused on solar, wind, hydro, and bioenergy development.
Abdullahi said the Commission was implementing solarisation programmes in universities, tertiary institutions, and primary healthcare centres to address energy poverty.
“We are committed to expanding access to clean and reliable energy while strengthening local capacity through partnerships and technology transfer,” he said.
The director-general added that ECN was collaborating with international partners to boost solar manufacturing, renewable energy investments, and energy efficiency frameworks.
He said the Commission was also promoting research and policy development through initiatives such as the National Energy Master Plan and energy efficiency programmes.
“Our work aligns with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which prioritises cleaner and more reliable energy to drive economic growth,” Abdullahi said.
Earlier, LGAN President Dr Lami Onayi Ahmed said Nigeria would host the 2026 All Africa Challenge Trophy from Nov. 1 to Nov. 7 in Abuja.
Ahmed said the championship would take place at the IBB International Golf and Country Club and attract participants from more than 30 African countries.
She described the tournament as Africa’s premier women’s team golf championship, bringing together elite players, officials, and delegates from across the continent.
Ahmed recalled that Nigeria hosted the championship in 1996 at Ikoyi Club and again in 2010 in Abuja.
She said Nigeria regained the hosting rights after presenting a successful bid before the continental body in Morocco.
According to her, the event will offer Nigeria an opportunity to showcase its capacity to host major international sporting competitions.
Ahmed said the championship would also promote African unity and highlight the growing role of women in sports leadership and development.
She commended the National Sports Commission (NSC) for supporting the championship and recognising its contribution to Nigeria’s sports economy.
Ahmed added that the initiative aligns with President Bola Tinubu’s development agenda promoting youth engagement and economic growth through sports.
She presented an appreciation award to the ECN Director-General and invited him to serve as ambassador for the 2026 championship.
Ahmed expressed confidence that Nigeria would successfully host the continental championship.
Members of the LGAN delegation included Maryam Shehu (AACT Ambassador), Wasilat Nana Abubakar (National Treasurer), Martina Saleh (Past Zonal Vice president, North), Halima Salihu, Dame Julie Donli (immediate past Lady Captain, IBB International Golf and Country Club, Abuja), MaryRose Richard-Obioha, Kikelomo Oluwole, Hauwa Adamu and Jumai Adamu (Lady Captain, TYB International Golf Resort and Country Club, Abuja).
Also present were some members of the AACT Media team, including, Kayode Adeniyi, GM NTA Sports, Victor Okoye, Editor NAN and Vice Chairman, Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN), FCT and Manir Tijjani, Strategic Consultant and Central Coordinator, AACT. (NAN)