LGAN seeks Ministry partnership to showcase Nigeria's creative economy at All-Africa Challenge Trophy 2026
The Ladies Golf Association of Nigeria (LGAN) has proposed a strategic partnership with the Federal Ministry of Art, Culture, Tourism and Creative Economy ahead of the 2026 All-Africa Challenge Trophy (AACT), which Nigeria is set to host in Abuja.
The proposal was presented by Dr. Lami Onayi Ahmed, FNIM, President of LGAN and Chairperson of the AACT 2026 Local Organising Committee, during a courtesy visit to the Honourable Minister of Art, Culture, Tourism and Creative Economy, Barr. Hannatu Musa Musawa, in Abuja on Tuesday.
As part of the proposed collaboration, the Ministry would serve as the Cultural Night Partner for the championship, curating a special showcase of Nigerian arts, music, fashion and cuisine for participating African teams, diplomats, government officials and international media representatives.
LGAN also requested that the Ministry officially designate AACT 2026 as an Official Cultural Economy Event and facilitate the inclusion of the tournament’s Sports-to-Business Investment Pavilion in Nigeria’s creative economy presentation at the Nigeria-Belgium-Luxembourg Business Forum scheduled to take place in Brussels from October 28 to 30, 2026.
Responding to the proposal, Minister Musawa welcomed the initiative and pledged to review areas where the Ministry could collaborate with the organisers.
“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,” Musawa said.
The Minister noted that hosting the championship in Abuja from November 2 to 7, 2026, at the IBB International Golf and Country Club presents an opportunity to broaden Nigeria’s tourism narrative beyond Lagos.
“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.
Dr. Ahmed described the proposed partnership as a landmark opportunity to connect sport, culture, tourism and investment while promoting Nigeria’s creative strengths on a continental stage.
“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. Abuja will host Africa, and Nigeria will show why we are the heart of the continent’s creative future,” she said.
The All-Africa Challenge Trophy 2026, sanctioned by the Royal and Ancient Golf Club of St Andrews, is expected to attract more than 30 African national delegations, diplomats, government representatives and international media to the Federal Capital Territory for a week-long celebration of golf, cultural exchange and business engagement.
The visit underscored the growing recognition of sport as a vehicle for promoting tourism, cultural diplomacy and economic development, with both parties expressing optimism about the prospects of a successful collaboration ahead of the championship.
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