Sports
Sports Minister Advocates for African Hosting of Commonwealth Games, Attends Meeting with Commonwealth Games Federation President
Nigeria’s Honourable Minister of Sports Development, Senator John Owan Enoh has emphasized the urgent need for an African country to host the Commonwealth Games, highlighting the continent’s absence as hosts since the inception of the event.
Senator Enoh made these remarks during an important consultative meeting convened by the President of the Commonwealth Federation, Chris Jenkins OBE, which brought together ministers of sports and key stakeholders from across Africa. The meeting, held at the Lancaster Hotel in Accra on Sunday the 17th of March, focused on formulating a robust hosting strategy for Africa.
Expressing concern over Africa’s underrepresentation as a host, Senator Enoh emphasized the crucial role of deliberate will in bringing the Games to the continent.
“It is not a good testimony that Africa has never hosted the Commonwealth Games. It is a matter of will, because even if there are lots of strategies, objectives cannot be achieved without the will,” remarked Senator Enoh.
Highlighting Africa’s prior ambitions to host the Games, Senator Enoh recalled Nigeria’s bid to host the Commonwealth Games in 2014 and its successful hosting of the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGOM) in 2003.
“It is not because there has not been a desire, but it is the lack of will from the CGF to bring the hosting to Africa,” stated Senator Enoh. He further advocated for a resolution to grant Africa the hosting rights for the 2030 Commonwealth Games, stressing that with greater will and commitment, Africa could successfully undertake this endeavor.
Senator Enoh extended gratitude to Chris Jenkins for his visit to Africa, expressing optimism that his tenure as Commonwealth Federation President would mark a significant milestone in the history of Commonwealth sports. “It is a dark element in the history of the Commonwealth that no African country has hosted the Games,” remarked Senator Enoh, underscoring the importance of rectifying this disparity.
As Africa strives to assert its presence on the global sporting stage, Senator Enoh’s advocacy for the hosting of the Commonwealth Games signals a concerted effort to promote inclusivity and diversity within international sporting events.
Sports
29 Days To AACT 2026: IBB Club Renewal Heralds Nigeria’s African Golf Showcase
Joel Ajayi
With 29 days to the 2026 All Africa Challenge Trophy (AACT), Nigeria is stepping up preparations to host the continental women’s team golf championship, with the extensive rehabilitation of the IBB International Golf and Country Club in Abuja providing a major boost to the country’s readiness.
In a statement issued on Sunday in Abuja Director of Communication AACT 2026, Kayode Adeniyi said the Club’s Board of Trustees has assured that the facility will be fully prepared to welcome golfers, officials and delegates from across Africa when the championship tees off on November 2.
Chairperson of the Board of Trustees, Hon. Justice Monica Dongban-Mensem, CFR, gave the assurance after inspecting ongoing rehabilitation works at the Club, expressing satisfaction with the progress recorded so far.
The IBB International Golf and Country Club has undergone extensive rehabilitation following its closure to regular golfing activities for more than a year. The intervention has focused on the golf course, selected holes, the clubhouse and other key facilities required to provide a befitting venue for the continental championship.
Justice Dongban-Mensem expressed confidence that the rehabilitation programme would be completed in time for the AACT, further reassuring stakeholders that the Club would be ready to host Africa’s leading female golfers.
Chairman of the Club’s Interim Management Committee, Peter Deshi, also expressed optimism over the progress of work, with regular golfing activities expected to resume ahead of the championship.
For the Ladies Golf Association of Nigeria (LGAN), the readiness of the host venue remains a critical component of the country’s preparations.
President of the Association, Dr. Lami Ahmed, has similarly expressed confidence in Nigeria’s preparations to stage a successful championship.
The 2026 AACT is scheduled to take place from November 2 to 7 at the IBB International Golf and Country Club, Abuja.
With the countdown now entering its final month, the rehabilitation of the Club is sending a strong message about Nigeria’s determination to deliver a successful championship and provide a worthy stage for Africa’s finest female golfers.
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