First girl Oluremi Tinubu declares 2026 AACT open

Nigeria’s First Lady, Oluremi Tinubu, Tuesday November 3, 2026 declared the 2026 All Africa Challenge Trophy (AACT) open, describing it as a platform for selling African unity, friendship and sporting excellence.

Tinubu mentioned Nigeria’s third internet hosting of the continental championship mirrored the boldness reposed within the nation by the African {golfing} group.

She counseled the President of the Ladies Golf Association of Nigeria (LGAN), Lami Ahmed, and the Local Organising Committee for his or her efforts in the direction of internet hosting the event.

The First Lady additionally applauded LGAN’s Girls in Golf Legacy Project, which goals to introduce 300 younger women to golf throughout the six geopolitical zones.

“As a mother and advocate for women and girls, I commend LGAN for this laudable initiative, which will create opportunities for the next generation of female golfers,” she mentioned.

She urged contributors to compete with ardour, uphold sportsmanship and use the championship to strengthen relationships throughout Africa.

Earlier, AACT President, Madame Cécile Poncet, described the championship as a possibility for African girls golfers to alternate experiences, have fun their abilities and construct lasting friendships.

Poncet paid tribute to late Monica Ntege, a former AACT president, and acknowledged Tessa Covell, who based the championship in 1992.

She referred to as for unity, continuity and larger recognition of girls’s golf throughout Africa, whereas commending Nigeria, LGAN and the Nigeria Golf Federation (NGF) for internet hosting the occasion.

LGAN President, Ahmed, mentioned Nigeria’s resolution to host the championship was pushed by the need to advertise unity by way of sports activities and showcase the nation’s optimistic picture.

She recalled that Nigeria beforehand hosted the competitors in 1996 and 2010, making the 2026 version its third.

Ahmed disclosed that 20 African nations have been taking part, expressing gratitude to the First Lady for her assist.

“Your Excellency, having you here today has changed the narrative of golf in Africa. Your support demonstrates your commitment to women’s development and empowerment,” she mentioned.

She mentioned the competitors would characteristic three rounds of 18 holes every day, culminating in 54 holes.

Also talking, Ekanem Ekwueme, AACT Trustee for West and Central Africa, described golf as a platform for constructing character, self-discipline, management and lasting relationships.

She urged contributors to uphold sportsmanship and counseled LGAN, NGF, IBB International Golf and Country Club and sponsors for his or her assist.

The NGF President, Otunba Olusegun Runsewe, additionally counseled the First Lady for supporting golf growth and girls’s participation in sports activities.

Runsewe urged the visiting delegations to take pleasure in Nigeria’s hospitality and discover its cultural sights.

Otunba Odunayo Ategbero, the Chairman, Board of Trustees (BOT) of LGAN, thanked the First Lady for her assist, saying it helped the affiliation mobilise sources for the championship.

He counseled Ahmed and the organising committee for his or her preparations, urging contributors to watch the foundations and guarantee honest play.

Similarly, Monica Dongban-Mensem, the Chairman, BOT, IBB International Golf and Country Club, Abuja,  described the First Lady’s presence as an encouragement to girls in sports activities.

She appreciated her assist and counseled the Federal Government and FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, for facilitating accelerated rehabilitation of the golf course forward of the championship.

She mentioned the membership had recorded important enhancements and expressed confidence that contributors would take pleasure in its amenities and Nigerian hospitality.

Highlights of the opening ceremony included the hoisting of flags by representatives of the 20 taking part nations and a ceremonial tee-off by the First Lady and different dignitaries.

The continental girls golf championship, which commenced on Monday, is anticipated to finish on Saturday.