By Victor Okoye
The League of African Ambassadors (LAA) has unveiled its continental vision and announced plans to organise a fundraising golf tournament aimed at promoting African diplomacy, strategic partnerships and resource mobilisation.
The President of the League, Ambassador Nwanne Ominyi, disclosed this at a news conference on Tuesday in Abuja.
Ominyi said the League comprised serving and retired African ambassadors committed to advancing African unity, economic cooperation and sustainable development.
He said the organisation was inaugurated on Oct. 14, 2025, under the auspices of the African Union Economic, Social and Cultural Council (AU-ECOSOCC).
According to him, the League seeks to harness the wealth of diplomatic experience across the continent to strengthen Africa’s unity, development and global influence.
He said the organisation would complement the efforts of governments, the African Union and regional organisations through dialogue, mentorship, youth empowerment and strategic partnerships.
Ominyi identified the LAA Fundraising Golf Programme as one of the League’s flagship initiatives, designed to combine sport with diplomacy, networking and resource mobilisation.
He said the maiden Nigerian edition of the tournament would be held at the Ibom Golf and Country Club, Uyo, Akwa Ibom, from Aug. 29 to Aug. 30.
According to him, the initiative will subsequently be replicated in 11 African countries to strengthen diplomatic engagement and continental partnerships.
“Golf creates an informal platform where diplomats, business leaders and development partners can build enduring relationships for Africa’s progress,” he said.
Also speaking, Chairman of the Nigerian Organising Committee, Ambassador Ben Okoyen, said the 25-member committee reflected broad representation from the diplomatic corps, government, the private sector and the golfing community.
He said the tournament was being organised under the auspices of Amb. Lt.-Gen. T.Y. Buratai (Rtd.), a member of the League’s Board of Trustees for West Africa.
Okoyen described the event as more than a sporting competition, saying it would serve as a platform for strengthening relationships among diplomats, governments, corporate organisations and development partners.
“Our objective is not merely to organise golf, but to use the game as a bridge for diplomacy, friendship, partnership and development,” he said.
He expressed optimism that the tournament would deepen cooperation and mobilise resources for programmes that support Africa’s development.
According to him, the event is expected to attract diplomats, senior government officials, business leaders, golf enthusiasts and development partners from across the continent.
Okoyen said participants would compete for prizes, including return flight tickets to London, Barbados and Accra.
He added that only 150 golfers would participate in the two-day tournament.
The organising committee chairman said the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, governors of Akwa Ibom and Imo states, as well as members of the National Assembly, were expected at the ceremonial tee-off.
He added that the Minister of Foreign Affairs would perform the ceremonial putting-out to officially close the tournament.
Okoyen called on governments, diplomatic missions, corporate organisations, development partners, civil society organisations and the media to support the initiative.
“Africa’s future requires African leadership, African solidarity and African solutions, supported by constructive partnerships with the wider world,” he said.
He expressed confidence that partnerships forged through the tournament would promote sustainable engagement and strengthen Africa’s voice in global affairs. (NAN)
Edited by Emmanuel Afonne