The Ladies Golf Association of Nigeria (LGAN) has launched the Northern Zone Golf Championship, aiming to inspire women from Nigeria’s northern regions to take up the sport.
The tournament, hosted in Minna, Niger State, has attracted over 250 participants representing all 36 states, including the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja.
The 2025 Northern Zonal Golf Open Championship is set to unfold over three days, comprising a 54-hole tournament that promises to elevate women’s participation in golf.
Lami Ahmed, the 1st Vice President of LGAN, addressed journalists at a press conference in Minna, emphasising the event’s goal: to promote inclusivity and raise awareness of golf among women in the north.
“The initiative for this prestigious championship in Minna stems from our president, Evelyn Oyome, who highlights the importance of inclusivity and spreading the message of golf to women to expand our membership base,” Ahmed stated. “Rather than simply enjoying our time in Abuja, we felt compelled to share the joy of golf in the northern region.”
The championship marks a historic moment for Minna, being the first zonal open tournament to occur in the city.
“This is our inaugural zonal open championship in Minna, as we seek to disseminate the positive message of golf across all corners of the country, particularly in the north,” Ahmed added. “We aim to motivate women to embrace the game and increase our exposure to various golf courses in the region.
Our mission is to demonstrate that golf can foster unity, peace, and well-being, no matter where it is played.”
LGAN President Evelyn Oyome expressed gratitude towards the Minna Cantonment Golf Club management and the Cantonment Commandant for facilitating the event. She highlighted that the championship also serves as a selection process for the northern zone’s representatives at the national competition scheduled for November in Abuja, which will usher in a new LGAN president.
“Hosting this championship here showcases Minna as a desirable golfing destination for ladies,” Oyome remarked. “We’ll be identifying outstanding participants to represent the northern zone at the national championship, where my 1st Vice President will assume the presidency of the Association. I wholeheartedly advocate for her capabilities and vision.”
She also extended her appreciation to the lady captains of various clubs and participants for their unwavering support in attending golf events organised by LGAN.
“On behalf of the Chairman of the Board of Trustees, Otunba Olusola Adekanola, and all trustees of LGAN, I extend a warm welcome to everyone at the Northern Zone Ladies Golf Championship. I wish you all a fantastic golfing experience at the Minna Cantonment Golf Club.”
Moreover, Oyome announced the anticipated arrival of approximately 26 African countries to Nigeria for the All Africa Golf Challenge Trophy, scheduled at the IBB Golf Club in Abuja next year. She urged the federal government and the National Sports Commission to ensure the successful hosting of this prestigious international ladies’ golfing event.
Brig. Gen. H.M. Abubakar, captain of the Minna Cantonment Golf Club, expressed his appreciation for the honour of hosting the championship: “I am here representing the Commandant of the Cantonment and welcoming you on behalf of our prestigious club. We hosted the Golf and Tour Charity Association Tournament recently, and it’s a privilege to have all the ladies here today.”
Among the events preceding the press conference were a ceremonial tee-off, flag hoisting, and a colourful parade in which TYB International Golf Resort and Country Club of Abuja emerged as the overall winners. A vibrant reggae night celebration concluded Day One activities.
The championship officially commenced on Thursday, featuring various ladies’ handicap categories alongside veterans competing on the lush greens of the Minna Cantonment Golf Club.
A high-profile delegation, including the LGAN President, 1st Vice President, and lady captains from various northern clubs, paid a courtesy call on His Royal Highness, Alhaji (Dr) Umar Faruq Bahago (OON), the Emir of Minna, to seek his blessings and present gifts.
An all-white party to celebrate lady captains in the north rounded off the activities for Thursday. The championship continues with Tournament Day 2 on Friday, featuring additional ladies’ and men’s handicap competitions and a cultural night to celebrate Nigerian heritage.
The final rounds of the tournament are scheduled for this Saturday, with a presentation ceremony and banquet to conclude the championship, which began on Wednesday.
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