By Victor Okoye

First Lady, Sen. Oluremi Tinubu, on Tuesday declared the 2026 All Africa Challenge Trophy (AACT) open, describing it as a platform for promoting African unity, friendship and sporting excellence.

Tinubu said Nigeria’s third hosting of the continental championship reflected the confidence reposed in the country by the African golfing community.

She commended the President of the Ladies Golf Association of Nigeria (LGAN), Lami Ahmed, and the Local Organising Committee for their efforts towards hosting the tournament.

The first lady also applauded LGAN’s Girls in Golf Legacy Project, which aims to introduce 300 young girls to golf across the six geopolitical zones.

“As a mother and advocate for women and girls, I commend LGAN for this laudable initiative, which will create opportunities for the next generation of female golfers,” she said.

She urged participants to compete with passion, uphold sportsmanship and use the championship to strengthen relationships across Africa.

Earlier, AACT President, Madame Cécile Poncet, described the championship as an opportunity for African women golfers to exchange experiences, celebrate their talents and build lasting friendships.
Poncet paid tribute to late Monica Ntege, a former AACT president, and acknowledged Tessa Covell, who founded the championship in 1992.

She called for unity, continuity and greater recognition of women’s golf across Africa, while commending Nigeria, LGAN and the Nigeria Golf Federation (NGF) for hosting the event.

LGAN President, Ahmed, said Nigeria’s decision to host the championship was driven by the desire to promote unity through sports and showcase the country’s positive image.

She recalled that Nigeria previously hosted the competition in 1996 and 2010, making the 2026 edition its third.

Ahmed disclosed that 20 African countries were participating, expressing gratitude to the First Lady for her support.

“Your Excellency, having you here today has changed the narrative of golf in Africa. Your support demonstrates your commitment to women’s development and empowerment,” she said.

She said the competition would feature three rounds of 18 holes daily, culminating in 54 holes.

Also speaking, Ekanem Ekwueme, AACT Trustee for West and Central Africa, described golf as a platform for building character, discipline, leadership and lasting relationships.

She urged participants to uphold sportsmanship and commended LGAN, NGF, IBB International Golf and Country Club and sponsors for their support.

The NGF President, Otunba Olusegun Runsewe, also commended the First Lady for supporting golf development and women’s participation in sports.

Runsewe urged the visiting delegations to enjoy Nigeria’s hospitality and explore its cultural attractions.

Otunba Odunayo Ategbero, the Chairman, Board of Trustees (BOT) of LGAN, thanked the First Lady for her support, saying it helped the association mobilise resources for the championship.

He commended Ahmed and the organising committee for their preparations, urging participants to observe the rules and ensure fair play.

Similarly, Monica Dongban-Mensem, the Chairman, BOT, IBB International Golf and Country Club, Abuja,  described the First Lady’s presence as an encouragement to women in sports.

She appreciated her support and commended the Federal Government and FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, for facilitating accelerated rehabilitation of the golf course ahead of the championship.

She said the club had recorded significant improvements and expressed confidence that participants would enjoy its facilities and Nigerian hospitality.

Highlights of the opening ceremony included the hoisting of flags by representatives of the 20 participating countries and a ceremonial tee-off by the First Lady and other dignitaries.
The continental women golf championship, which began on Monday, is expected to end on Saturday.(NAN) www.nannews.ng

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Edited by Sadiya Hamza