Nigeria’s First Lady, Oluremi Tinubu, has been named Grand Patron of the 2026 All Africa Challenge Trophy (AACT). The recognition was presented during a meeting with representatives of the Ladies Golf Association of Nigeria at the State House in Abuja on 29 September.
The delegation presented Tinubu with a plaque, after which she performed a symbolic tee-off using a practice golf kit in her office. Those attending included Justice Monica Mensem and former association president Evelyn Oyome.
When and where will the 2026 All Africa Challenge Trophy take place?
The 2026 All Africa Challenge Trophy is scheduled for 2–7 November at the IBB International Golf and Country Club in Abuja, Nigeria. The venue and dates were also outlined in a statement published by Nigeria’s Federal Ministry of Information and National Orientation.
Women golfers from around 30 African countries are expected to participate. Nigeria secured the hosting rights through a competitive bidding process in Morocco, and the upcoming championship will mark the country’s third time hosting the continental tournament.
The competition is a biennial women’s amateur golf championship, bringing national delegations together for continental competition. Organisers have been seeking institutional and logistical support ahead of the November event.
Girls in Golf project targets 300 young participants
Alongside preparations for the championship, the association has proposed a Girls in Golf Legacy Project, aiming to introduce and mentor 300 girls in the sport. During the meeting, Tinubu welcomed the initiative and encouraged sustained training, discipline and commitment among aspiring players.
The project remains a planned development initiative rather than a completed programme. Its stated aim is to nurture younger golfers alongside Nigeria’s hosting of the continental competition.
Organisers seek support for tournament preparations
Preparations for AACT 2026 have included meetings with several Nigerian institutions. In February, the National Sports Commission pledged support after receiving a delegation led by association president Dr Lami Onayi Ahmed. The commission said it would work with organisers on arrangements for hosting the event.
The association has also proposed a partnership with the Federal Ministry of Art, Culture, Tourism and Creative Economy. The proposal includes a cultural evening showcasing Nigerian music, arts, fashion and cuisine to visiting teams and other guests.
Organisers have presented these activities as opportunities to connect the championship with tourism and cultural exchange. However, the reported cultural partnership was a proposal under consideration—not confirmation that every associated programme had been finalised.
Will Tinubu attend the opening ceremony?
During the State House visit, Ahmed requested Tinubu’s participation in the opening ceremony and ceremonial tee-off. The reports confirm the Grand Patron appointment and the symbolic tee-off in her office, but do not establish a final attendance commitment for the November ceremony.
