By Nefishetu Yakubu
The National Institute for Legislative and Democratic Studies (NILDS) and the Ladies Golf Association of Nigeria (LGAN) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to support Nigeria’s hosting of the 2026 All Africa Challenge Trophy (AACT).
Speaking at the signing ceremony on Thursday in Abuja, the Director-General of NILDS, Prof. Abubakar Sulaiman described the partnership as a strategic step towards promoting sports diplomacy.
Sulaiman said the agreement reflected growing recognition of sports as a catalyst for economic development, gender inclusion, international cooperation, and national image-building.
“Today’s event is more than a ceremonial signing. It represents a strategic convergence of sports diplomacy, institutional collaboration, and continental engagement,” he said.
“The AACT 2026 offers Nigeria a unique opportunity to showcase leadership in sports diplomacy, tourism development, and Pan-African cooperation,” Sulaiman stated.
According to him, the championship will attract participants from more than 30 African countries, creating opportunities for tourism growth and stronger regional integration.
He said NILDS’ participation aligned with its statutory mandate of legislative research, policy advisory services, and capacity development for the National Assembly.
Sulaiman explained that the institute would leverage its legislative networks to enhance the visibility, legitimacy, and institutional support required for the championship.
“This partnership is strategic. It enables us to facilitate legislative engagement and policy dialogue that will strengthen sports governance and development,” he said.
The NILDS boss noted that the MoU would help integrate sports development into broader national policy objectives while promoting sustainable governance structures.
He described the partnership as a model of value co-creation, combining LGAN’s sporting expertise with NILDS’ influence within legislative and policy circles.
Sulaiman also commended the inclusion of the Sports-to-Business Investment Pavilion, with the theme “Africa Trades in Abuja,” as an innovative feature of the championship.
He further said the collaboration demonstrated NILDS’ commitment to inclusivity, women’s empowerment, and strategic partnerships beyond its traditional responsibilities.
He assured stakeholders of NILDS’ readiness to ensure effective implementation of the agreement and the achievement of its stated objectives.
On her part, LGAN President Dr Lami Ahmed expressed appreciation to NILDS for fulfilling its promise of support, describing the partnership as crucial to Nigeria’s successful hosting of the AACT.
She recalled that LGAN secured hosting rights in Morocco but underestimated the challenges ahead, adding that NILDS’ backing provided confidence and momentum.
According to her, preparations have intensified, with participating countries already registering for the championship scheduled for Nov. 2 to Nov. 7 in Abuja.
She said the partnership would facilitate legislative engagement, business networking, tourism promotion, and documentation, ensuring the tournament left a lasting legacy for Nigeria(NAN)
(www.nannews.ng)
NY/KOO
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Edited by Kevin Okunzuwa
