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Lagos state governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has pledged his administration’s support for the successful hosting of the 2026 All Africa Challenge Trophy (AACT), as Nigeria intensifies preparations for the continental women’s golf championship, 13 days to go.
Sanwo-Olu gave the assurance on Sunday, October 18, 2026 when he received a delegation of the Ladies Golf Association of Nigeria (LGAN), led by the association’s patron and Iyalode of Lagos, Chief Bintu-Fatima Tinubu, during a courtesy visit to Lagos House, Marina. Blueprint reports
With the championship scheduled for November 2 to 7, 2026 at the IBB International Golf and Country Club, Abuja, the governor’s pledge adds to efforts to mobilise institutional support for the competition, which is expected to attract participants from about 30 African countries.
The tournament will bring together women golfers from across the continent to compete for honours while showcasing Nigeria’s capacity to host major international sporting events.
Sanwo-Olu commends LGAN’s efforts
During the meeting, Sanwo-Olu commended LGAN for its commitment to promoting women’s participation in sports and advancing Africa’s image through international sporting competitions.
The governor expressed enthusiasm for the forthcoming championship and assured the delegation of the Lagos State Government’s support towards its successful delivery.
He also underscored the importance of integrity, ethical conduct and adherence to proper standards, urging individuals and organisations to uphold these values in their professional and personal engagements.
Sanwo-Olu further encouraged people to remain open to opportunities for growth and achievement at every stage of life, stressing that age should not prevent anyone from pursuing meaningful ambitions.
The visit reflected the growing engagement of stakeholders as Nigeria prepares to host the continental competition, which organisers say will offer benefits beyond the golf course.
First Lady, sports institutions endorse championship
Speaking during the visit, LGAN President and Chairperson of the AACT 2026 Local Organising Committee, Dr Lami Onayi Ahmed, disclosed that the championship had received endorsements from the National Sports Commission, relevant committees of the Senate and House of Representatives, and other stakeholders.
Ahmed also said Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, had endorsed the event and agreed to participate in its opening and closing ceremonies.
She described the championship as an opportunity to strengthen Nigeria’s international profile, promote tourism, attract investment and stimulate economic activities.
According to her, golf also offers important opportunities for developing discipline, leadership and participation among women, making the tournament relevant not only to sports but also to wider social and economic development.
The organisers are positioning the competition as a platform for African countries to deepen sporting relationships and encourage greater visibility for women’s golf across the continent.
Nigeria to host AACT for third time
The 2026 edition will be the third time Nigeria has hosted the All Africa Challenge Trophy.
The country first hosted the championship in 1996 at Ikoyi Club 1938 in Lagos before staging the second Nigerian edition in 2010 at the IBB International Golf and Country Club in Abuja.
The return of the competition to Nigeria underscores the country’s continuing role in the development of golf on the continent.
The November 2 to 7 championship is expected to feature teams from about 30 African countries, bringing together players, officials and other stakeholders for a week of competition and engagement.
Beyond the contest for continental honours, the event is expected to provide opportunities for cultural exchange, tourism promotion and cooperation among participating countries.
‘Uniting Africa through the greens’
Under the slogan, “Uniting Africa through the greens,” AACT 2026 seeks to use women’s golf as a platform for strengthening ties among African nations.
Organisers say the championship will offer an opportunity to showcase Nigeria’s sporting infrastructure and hospitality while encouraging the growth of women’s golf and expanding the sport’s reach across Africa.
With preparations gathering momentum, the support pledged by the Lagos State Government adds to the endorsements being secured ahead of the tournament.
As the countdown continues, Nigeria is preparing to welcome the continent to Abuja for a championship designed to combine sporting excellence with tourism, cultural engagement and wider African cooperation.
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