By Victor Okoye
Abuja, July 28, 2026 (NAN) The League of African Ambassadors (LAA) has unveiled its continental vision and announced a fundraising golf tournament to promote African diplomacy, partnerships and resource mobilisation.
The President of the League, Ambassador Nwanne Ominyi, disclosed this at a press briefing on Tuesday in Abuja.
Ominyi said the League comprised serving and retired African ambassadors committed to advancing African unity, economic cooperation and sustainable development.
He said the organisation was inaugurated on Oct. 14, 2025, under the auspices of the African Union Economic, Social and Cultural Council (AU-ECOSOCC).
“The League brings together serving and retired ambassadors to harness diplomatic experience for Africa’s unity, development and stronger global influence,” Ominyi said.
He said the League would complement the work of governments, the African Union and regional organisations through dialogue, mentorship, youth empowerment and strategic partnerships.
According to him, one of its flagship initiatives is the LAA Fundraising Golf Programme, designed to combine sport with diplomacy, networking and resource mobilisation.
The LAA president said the maiden Nigerian edition would hold at the Ibom Golf and Country Club, Uyo, Akwa Ibom, from Aug. 29 to Aug. 30.
He said the initiative would subsequently be replicated in 11 African countries to strengthen diplomatic engagement and continental partnerships.
“Golf creates an informal platform where diplomats, business leaders and development partners can build enduring relationships for Africa’s progress,” he said.
Chairman of the Nigerian Organising Committee, Ambassador Ben Okoyen, said the 25-member committee reflected broad representation from diplomacy, government, business and the golfing community.
He said the tournament was organised under the auspices of Ambassador Lt.-Gen. T.Y. Buratai (Rtd.), a member of the League’s Board of Trustees for West Africa.
“This committee reflects our commitment to bringing together diplomacy, public service, corporate partnership and golf for a common African purpose,” Okoyen said.
Okoyen said the event was more than a sporting competition, describing it as a platform for strengthening relationships among diplomats, governments and corporate organisations.
He expressed optimism that the tournament would deepen cooperation and mobilise
resources for programmes supporting Africa’s development.
“Our objective is not merely to organise golf, but to use the game as a bridge for diplomacy, friendship, partnership and development,” he said.
He said the tournament would attract diplomats, senior government officials, business leaders, golf enthusiasts and development partners from across Africa.
According to him, participants will compete for prizes, including return flight tickets to London, Barbados and Accra.
Okoyen said only 150 golfers would participate in the two-day tournament.
He added that Senate President Godswill Akpabio, governors of Akwa Ibom and Imo states, and members of the National Assembly were expected at the ceremonial tee-off.
He said the Minister of Foreign Affairs would perform the putting-out ceremony to officially close the tournament.
He called on governments, diplomatic missions, corporate organisations, development partners, civil society groups and the media to support the initiative.
“Africa’s future requires African leadership, African solidarity and African solutions, supported by constructive partnerships with the wider world,” he said.
He expressed confidence that partnerships forged through the tournament would promote sustainable engagement and strengthen Africa’s voice in global affairs. (NAN)