Wike Pledges Support For Women’s, Junior Golf Development Ahead Of AACT

…FCT Minister approves 50-50 cost-sharing for AACT closing banquet, considers land request for permanent LGAN facilities

Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has pledged government support for the development of women’s and junior golf in Nigeria, including assistance with facilities for the Ladies’ Golf Association of Nigeria (LGAN).

Wike also approved a 50-50 cost-sharing arrangement with the association for the use of the Bola Ahmed Tinubu International Conference Centre, Abuja, for the closing banquet and prize presentation of the 2026 All Africa Challenge Trophy (AACT).

The minister made the commitments on Friday when he received a delegation of the LGAN, led by its President, Dr Lami Ahmed, at his official residence in Life Camp, Abuja.

The 2026 AACT, scheduled for November 2 to 7 at the IBB International Golf and Country Club, Abuja, is expected to attract golfers and delegates from more than 30 African countries.

Wike said the FCT Administration was willing to consider the association’s request for land to establish a permanent office and facilities dedicated to developing junior golf, but stressed that any allocation would depend on clear commitments to execute the proposed projects.

He warned against the practice of allocating public land to individuals and organisations without definite development plans, resulting in properties remaining undeveloped for years.

The minister said applicants must demonstrate their readiness to develop allocated land within agreed timelines, adding that the administration would not support requests without clear implementation commitments.

On the proposed use of the Bola Ahmed Tinubu International Conference Centre for the championship’s closing ceremony, Wike explained that the association would be required to pay half of the cost.

He said the arrangement was necessary because the facility required regular maintenance, cleaning and other operational expenses, which the government could not continually shoulder without contributions from users.

Wike also expressed the FCT Administration’s willingness to support the hosting of the continental women’s amateur golf championship, although he declined to immediately accept the association’s request to serve as Chief Host.

He explained that the position carried responsibilities requiring his active participation, which his demanding schedule might make difficult.

The minister, however, assured the delegation that his reservations about the ceremonial role would not affect the administration’s commitment to supporting the competition.

He also disclosed that rehabilitation work had commenced at the IBB International Golf and Country Club, with the project already about 35 per cent completed ahead of the continental championship.

According to him, the FCT Administration had engaged the company responsible for the golf course’s construction to carry out the necessary improvements, despite the limited time available before the tournament.

Wike expressed concern over the deterioration of the facility, questioning how a major sporting infrastructure could have been allowed to fall into such a condition.

“Why should such a place be run down? It is easy to criticise people who are elected or appointed to superintend over affairs in the country. But you see how difficult it is to run a small place. Then you are talking about complex countries and complex societies,” he said.

Earlier, Ahmed said the championship, themed “Uniting Africa Through the Greens”, would bring together participants from more than 30 African countries, providing Abuja with an opportunity to showcase its sporting infrastructure, hospitality and tourism potential.

She appealed to the minister for his endorsement and support towards the successful hosting of the competition, as well as sustained government intervention in women’s golf and the development of young Nigerian golfers.

The LGAN president said the association’s ambition extended beyond hosting a successful continental championship to establishing a sustainable development pathway for women’s golf and creating opportunities for younger players.

She emphasised that the competition would also promote grassroots sports development, tourism and investment in the FCT, while strengthening Nigeria’s position as a destination for major international sporting events.

Ahmed commended Wike’s commitment to sports development, describing his recognition as Pillar of Sports Africa as well deserved.

She said the minister’s support would be important in ensuring that the AACT delivered benefits beyond the competition itself, particularly through improved facilities and a lasting legacy for women’s golf in Nigeria.

The 2026 edition will mark another opportunity for Nigeria to host Africa’s leading women’s amateur golfers, with the LGAN seeking to use the championship to strengthen the country’s presence in continental golf and encourage greater participation among young female players.