Get Guardian on Google***First Lady inaugurates All-Africa Challenge Trophy, backs grassroots development of women’s golf
First Lady Oluremi Tinubu has described Nigeria’s hosting of the All-Africa Challenge Trophy (AACT) for the third time as a strong endorsement of the country’s growing reputation and capacity to host major international sporting events.
She said the participation of 20 African countries in the 2026 championship underscored the potential of sports, particularly golf, to promote continental unity, strengthen cultural ties and foster shared African identity.
The First Lady, who is the Grand Patron of AACT 2026, stated this on Tuesday at the official opening ceremony of the championship at the IBB International Golf and Country Club, Abuja, where she performed the ceremonial tee-off to formally declare the competition open.
Expressing delight at Nigeria’s return as host for the third time, she said the championship reflected the confidence reposed in the country by the African golfing community.
“I am delighted and proud that Nigeria is hosting this prestigious championship for the third time. This is a testament to the strong confidence the African golfing community places in our nation’s capacity, unity and sporting excellence,” she said.
With the theme, ‘Uniting Africa Through the Greens’, Mrs Tinubu noted that golf offered an opportunity to bridge cultural and national divides while promoting friendship, excellence and solidarity among African countries.
She also commended the Ladies Golf Association of Nigeria for introducing the Girls in Golf Legacy Project, describing it as an important intervention to expand access to the sport and encourage greater participation among young girls.
The initiative, she said, would introduce 300 girls to golf across Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones, creating opportunities for the next generation of female golfers.
“As a mother and advocate for women and girls, I commend the Ladies Golf Association of Nigeria for the Girls in Golf Legacy Project, which will introduce 300 young girls to golf across the six geopolitical zones in Nigeria and open new opportunities for the next generation,” she said.
Addressing the participating golfers, the First Lady urged them to demonstrate discipline, integrity and sportsmanship throughout the competition, while using the opportunity to strengthen bonds across the continent.
“To our remarkable female golfers, you are an inspiration to the womenfolk. Play with passion, compete with integrity, and let sportsmanship guide every stroke,” she said.
She also encouraged the visiting athletes to explore Nigeria’s tourist attractions, experience its cultural diversity and enjoy the hospitality of its people.
“May the best team win, and may our bond as one Africa grow even stronger,” she added.
Earlier, speakers at the ceremony, including the President of the Ladies Golf Association of Nigeria, Dr Lami Onayi, and President of the Nigeria Golf Federation, Otunba Segun Runsewe, underscored the unifying power of golf and called for wider participation across gender and age groups.
They also highlighted the growing competitiveness of Nigerian female golfers and the increasing prospects for women’s participation and development in the sport.
The ceremonial tee-off by the First Lady, other dignitaries and some beneficiaries of the Girls in Golf Legacy Project marked the commencement of the championship.
The 2026 All-Africa Challenge Trophy, which has brought together female golfers from 20 African countries, is scheduled to end on Saturday, November 7.
