The Ladies Golf Association of Nigeria (LGAN) has sought a strategic partnership with the Federal Ministry of Art, Culture, Tourism and Creative Economy to leverage the 2026 All-Africa Challenge Trophy (AACT) as a platform for tourism promotion, cultural diplomacy and investment attraction.
The proposal was presented on Tuesday in Abuja when the President of LGAN and Chairperson of the AACT 2026 Local Organising Committee, Dr. Lami Onayi Ahmed, led a delegation on a courtesy visit to the Minister of Art, Culture, Tourism and Creative Economy, Hannatu Musa Musawa.
Under the proposed arrangement, the ministry would serve as Cultural Night Partner for the continental championship, curating a showcase of Nigerian arts, music, fashion and cuisine for visiting African teams, diplomats, government officials and international media.
LGAN also requested that the ministry designate the tournament as an official Cultural Economy Event and facilitate the inclusion of the AACT 2026 Sports-to-Business Investment Pavilion in Nigeria’s presentation at the Nigeria-Belgium-Luxembourg Business Forum scheduled for Brussels from October 28 to 30, 2026.
Responding, Minister Musawa welcomed the proposal and pledged to review areas of possible collaboration, describing golf as a sport with significant social, health and economic benefits.
“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 noted that hosting the championship in Abuja would provide an opportunity to broaden Nigeria’s tourism appeal beyond its traditional destinations and showcase the nation’s capital as a vibrant tourism and investment hub.
“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,” she added.
Speaking earlier, Dr. Ahmed described the proposed partnership as a major opportunity to promote women’s golf while advancing Nigeria’s creative economy agenda.
According to her, the championship goes beyond sport and offers a unique platform to project Nigeria’s cultural richness, support local businesses and create opportunities for young people, artisans and entrepreneurs.
“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 Abuja would serve as a gateway for Africa to experience Nigeria’s cultural diversity and growing creative economy.
The All-Africa Challenge Trophy, sanctioned by The Royal and Ancient Golf Club of St Andrews, is scheduled to hold from November 2 to 7, 2026, at the IBB International Golf and Country Club, Abuja.
The championship is expected to attract more than 30 African national delegations, diplomats, government representatives and international media organisations for a week of sporting competition, cultural exchange and business engagement.