The Ladies Golf Association of Nigeria (LGAN) is looking to team up with the Federal Ministry of Art, Culture, Tourism and Creative Economy. They want to use the 2026 All-Africa Challenge Trophy (AACT) to boost tourism, promote culture, and attract investments.
This proposal was made on Tuesday in Abuja by LGAN President Lami Onayi Ahmed. She presented it during her visit to the Minister of Art, Culture, Tourism and Creative Economy, Hannatu Musawa.
Under the plan, the ministry would become the Cultural Night Partner for the championship. They would create a showcase of Nigerian arts, music, fashion, and food for the African teams, diplomats, government officials, and international media.
LGAN also asked the ministry to mark the championship as an official cultural economy event. They want the tournament’s Sports-to-Business Investment Pavilion included in Nigeria’s presentation at the 2026 Nigeria-Belgium-Luxembourg Business Forum. This forum is set to take place in Brussels from 28 to 30 October.
Ms Musawa responded positively to the proposal. She said the ministry would look into how they can work together on this.
She highlighted the benefits of golf, saying it is more than just a sport. She noted that it helps build resilience, fosters a love for nature, and supports mental health.
“Golf is not just a sport. It is a community. It builds resilience, gives you a huge appreciation of nature, and from a mental health point of view, it is a sport that should be spread and encouraged for young Nigerians to embrace. This Cultural Night partnership falls squarely within the mandate of the ministry. This is what we want to encourage,” she said.
The minister also mentioned that hosting the championship in Abuja offers a chance to widen Nigeria’s tourism appeal. She wants to show what other parts of Nigeria have to offer besides Lagos.
She said, “Abuja, being the capital of Nigeria, is a great opportunity for us to make that a staple for people to come in. We have to move that conversation away from Lagos to show what other parts of Nigeria have to offer. The local community is going to benefit as we leverage this opportunity in the FCT.”
Ms Ahmed spoke about the importance of the event. She said the championship would help promote women’s golf and Nigeria’s creative economy.
“AACT 2026 is more than a tournament. It is Africa’s premier platform where sport meets culture, tourism and investment. By partnering with the Federal Ministry of Art, Culture, Tourism and Creative Economy, we are ensuring that the world sees the richness of Nigerian creativity while creating real opportunities for our youth, artisans and entrepreneurs,” she said.
She added that having the championship in Abuja would allow Nigeria to showcase its cultural heritage and leadership in Africa.
The 2026 All-Africa Challenge Trophy, approved by the Royal and Ancient Golf Club of St Andrews, will take place from 2 to 7 November at the IBB International Golf and Country Club in Abuja.
Organisers expect over 30 African national delegations, diplomats, government representatives, and international media members to attend this week-long event. It will mix competitive golf with cultural exchanges and business activities.
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