By Victor Okoye
The Ladies Golf Association of Nigeria (LGAN) has decorated retired Brig. Gen. G.G. Shipi as an All Africa Challenge Trophy (AACT) Ambassador and sought Plateau Government’s support for the championship.
The appeal came during a courtesy visit by the LGAN leadership to Shipi, the Special Adviser on Security and Homeland Safety to the Plateau Governor, Caleb Mutfwang and Coordinator of Operation Rainbow, in Jos.
The delegation was led by LGAN President, Dr. Lami Ahmed, who also congratulated Shipi on his 60th birthday.
Ahmed commended Shipi’s contributions to national security and his consistent support for ladies’ golf in Plateau and across Nigeria.
She described the AACT as a flagship women’s continental golf championship that would promote Nigeria’s image and strengthen sporting ties across Africa.
“We are here to appreciate your unwavering support for ladies’ golf and seek your partnership in delivering a successful All Africa Challenge Trophy,” Ahmed said.
She said sports remained a veritable platform for promoting unity, youth development, and national pride.
Ahmed urged him to leverage his influence to mobilise support for the championship.
Responding, Shipi thanked LGAN for the honour, birthday goodwill, and ambassadorial recognition.
“I am honoured by this recognition and will support the All Africa Challenge Trophy in every way I can,” he said.
Shipi described sports as a powerful instrument for promoting peace, unity, and national cohesion in spite of the prevailing security challenges.
“While insecurity often dominates the headlines, sports continue to unite our people and project Nigeria positively to the international community,” he said.
He pledged to engage the Plateau Government on possible support for the championship.
LGAN presented an Award of Excellence to Shipi in recognition of his contributions to sports development and national unity.
The association dedicated the award to Shipi and governor of of Plateau for supporting sports development.
Ahmed said the recognition formed part of LGAN’s nationwide mobilisation for the successful hosting of the championship.
She said Nigeria would host the biennial women’s continental championship in Abuja from Nov. 2 to Nov. 7.
Ahmed said golfers from more than 30 African countries were expected to participate in the tournament.
She added that the championship would boost tourism, promote youth participation, and enhance Nigeria’s profile as a leading golf destination in Africa. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
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Edited by Joseph Edeh