First Lady Oluremi Tinubu has officially launched the 2026 All-Africa Challenge Trophy Championship in Abuja, saying Nigeria’s third staging of the event reflects the African golf community’s trust in the country’s facilities and ability to organise major sporting competitions.
Abuja welcomes Africa’s leading women golfers
Mrs Tinubu carried out the ceremonial tee-off at the IBB International Golf and Country Club, where women golfers representing 20 African nations are competing in the championship.
Speaking in her role as Grand Patron of AACT 2026, the First Lady said the event provides a platform to deepen unity across the continent, advance women’s involvement in sport and highlight Nigeria’s hospitality.
“I am pleased and proud that Nigeria is hosting this important championship for a third time,” she said. “It demonstrates the considerable faith the African golf community has in our country’s capacity, cohesion and sporting quality.”
Legacy project targets 300 girls across Nigeria
The First Lady praised the Ladies Golf Association of Nigeria for creating the Girls in Golf Legacy Project, an initiative intended to introduce 300 girls to golf in Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones.
She described the programme as an important commitment to the future of women’s sport and said early access to golf could enable girls to identify their abilities and build careers in the game.
- The Girls in Golf Legacy Project will reach 300 young girls.
- Its activities are planned across all six geopolitical zones in Nigeria.
- The scheme is designed to create fresh opportunities for the next generation of female players.
“As a mother and an advocate for women and girls, I applaud the Ladies Golf Association of Nigeria for this project, which will bring 300 young girls into golf throughout Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones and create new paths for the generation to come,” Mrs Tinubu said.
Theme highlights sport’s unifying force
The championship is being held under the theme, “Uniting Africa Through the Greens,” which Mrs Tinubu said illustrates sport’s ability to bridge geographical and cultural divides.
She said golf could bring people together beyond borders and traditions in a shared celebration of sisterhood, excellence and African identity.
The First Lady urged the competitors to uphold the values of discipline, honesty and fair play, stressing that their performances would serve as motivation for younger African women.
“Remarkable female golfers, you are inspirations to women everywhere,” she said. “Play passionately, compete with integrity and allow sportsmanship to guide every stroke.”
Mrs Tinubu also encouraged the visiting players and officials to experience Nigeria’s tourism sites and cultural heritage during their stay.
“As you compete, may the strongest team emerge victorious, while our unity as one Africa becomes even deeper,” she added.
Golf leaders call for wider participation
Earlier, Ladies Golf Association of Nigeria president Dr Lami Onayi and Nigeria Golf Federation president Otunba Segun Runsewe highlighted golf’s contribution to unity, inclusion and sporting achievement.
- They appealed for increased participation in golf among people of different ages and genders.
- They noted that Nigerian women golfers are increasingly proving themselves to be strong opponents on the course.
- The opening programme included tee-offs by the First Lady, other dignitaries and young participants in the Girls in Golf Legacy Project.
The 2026 All-Africa Challenge Trophy Championship is scheduled to conclude on Saturday, November 7.
