THE Ladies Golf Association of Nigeria has proposed a partnership with the Federal Ministry of Art, Culture, Tourism and Creative Economy to co-host the 2026 All-Africa Challenge Trophy in Abuja.
Dr. Lami Onayi Ahmed, FNIM, President of LGAN and Chairperson of the AACT 2026 Local Organising Committee, made the proposal on Tuesday, during a courtesy visit to the Honourable Minister Hannatu Musa Musawa in Abuja.
Under the proposed collaboration, the Ministry will serve as Cultural Night Partner, programme and curate the evening’s showcase of Nigerian arts, music, fashion and cuisine for African teams, diplomats, Ministers and global media.
The Ministry will also be requested to officially designate AACT 2026 as an Official Cultural Economy Event. LGAN further sought facilitation for the inclusion of the AACT 2026 Sports-to-Business Investment Pavilion in Nigeria’s creative economy presentation at the 4th Nigeria-Belgium-Luxembourg Business Forum in Brussels from 28th to 30th October 2026.
In her response, Minister Musawa promised to review the proposal and consider areas for 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.
“This Cultural Night partnership falls squarely within the mandate of the Ministry. This is what we want to encourage,” she said.
The Minister added that hosting the championship from 2nd to 7th November 2026 at the IBB International Golf and Country Club, Abuja, will present an opportunity to expand Nigeria’s tourism narrative 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.”
Dr. Lami Onayi Ahmed, FNIM, President of LGAN and Chairperson of the AACT 2026 Local Organising Committee, said the proposed partnership will mark a defining moment for women’s golf and Nigeria’s creative economy.
“AACT 2026 is more than a tournament. It is Africa’s premier platform where sport meets culture, tourism and investment. By partnering with the Federal Ministry of Art, Culture, Tourism and Creative Economy, we are ensuring that the world sees the richness of Nigerian creativity while creating real opportunities for our youth, artisans and entrepreneurs. Abuja will host Africa, and Nigeria will show why we are the heart of the continent’s creative future.”
AACT 2026, sanctioned by The Royal and Ancient Golf Club of St Andrews, is expected to attract over 30 African national delegations, diplomats, government representatives and international media to the FCT for seven days of sport, cultural exchange and business dialogue.
