Sports

First Lady Tinubu Tees Off AACT 2026, Calls for African Women’s Unity

Published

1 hour ago

November 4, 2026

Joel Ajayi

Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, has urged participating African Ladies golfers to uphold sportsmanship, integrity, and African unity.

She spoke at the ceremonial tee-off of the 2026 All Africa Challenge Trophy (AACT) at the IBB International Golf and Country Club, Abuja.

Tinubu noted that the championship’s theme, “Uniting Africa Through the Greens”, reflected golf’s ability to transcend national and cultural boundaries while promoting friendship, sisterhood and a shared African identity.

She urged the participating golfers to compete with passion and integrity, adding: “To our remarkable female golfers, you are an inspiration to women everywhere. Play with passion, compete with integrity and let sportsmanship guide every stroke.”

The First Lady welcomed foreign delegates and participants, encouraging them to explore Nigeria’s landmarks, culture and hospitality during their stay.

Senator Tinubu commended LGAN President and Chairperson, Local Organising Committee, 2026 AACT, Dr Lami Onayi Ahmed, the Association’s executive council, and local Organising Committee for their efforts in bringing the continental championship to Nigeria.

She also commended the Ladies Golf Association of Nigeria (LGAN) for its initiative to introduce 300 girls to golf as part of AACT programmes.

Tinubu said the Girls in Golf initiative Legacy Project would create opportunities for young girls to participate in the sport and develop the next generation of female golfers.

“As a mother and advocate for women and girls, I commend the Ladies Golf Association of Nigeria for the Girls in Golf Legacy Project, which will introduce 300 young girls to golf across the six geopolitical zones in Nigeria and open new opportunities for the next generation,” she said.

She subsequently declared the championship open and performed the ceremonial tee-off.
Earlier, Lami Ahmed said hosting the championship for the third time was both an honour and a responsibility for Nigeria.

She said the tournament provided an opportunity to strengthen relationships among African countries through golf, despite differences in nationalities, languages and cultures.

“Though we compete under different flags, we remain united as one African family,” she said.
Ahmed described the Girls in Golf initiative Legacy Project as a major part of the association’s long-term commitment to growing the sport, saying it would expose 300 girls across the six geopolitical zones to the opportunities and values of golf.

She added that while the championship would produce winners, its lasting significance would lie in the friendships established, unity strengthened, and young girls inspired.

“As we begin this historic championship, let us remember the trophies will find their winners, but the friendships we build, the unity we strengthen and the young girls we inspire will remain our greatest victory,” she said.

Nigeria is hosting the continental women’s golf championship for the third time, bringing together female golfers from across 20 African countries to compete and promote the development of the sport.

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Sports

NSC DG Olopade Applauds FCT’s Move to Develop Gwagwalada Mini Stadium

Published

16 hours ago

November 3, 2026

The Gleamer

Joel Ajayi

The Director-General of the National Sports Commission (NSC), Hon. Bukola Olopade, has commended the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, for the planned construction of a mini stadium in Gwagwalada, describing the initiative as a significant boost to sports development in the territory.

Hon. Olopade said the project aligns with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, particularly its commitment to the development of sports infrastructure across the country.

According to the DG, the proposed Gwagwalada Mini Stadium, when completed, will serve as an important sporting facility during the 2027 African School Games scheduled to hold in Abuja, while also providing young athletes in the FCT with access to quality sports infrastructure to nurture their talents.

“As I speak, over 30 contractors have been mobilized to various sites to ensure that sporting facilities and infrastructure are put in place for both our young and elite athletes across the country, Hon, Olopade said.

He expressed appreciation to President Tinubu for his unprecedented support for sports development, noting that the Federal Government had committed over ₦200 billion to the rehabilitation and development of sports infrastructure nationwide.

“We are more than grateful at the Sports Commission because Mr President has been very supportive of sports like never before. His commitment to spending over ₦200 billion on infrastructure revamp across the country will ensure that indigent children have access to quality facilities to harness their sporting potential,” he added.

The DG emphasized that sports infrastructure remains a critical factor in achieving excellence, noting that the availability and quality of facilities play a major role in athletes’ performance and their ability to secure podium finishes at international competitions.

He described the planned construction of the Gwagwalada Mini Stadium as a welcome development, commending Wike for his continued commitment to infrastructure development in the FCT.

“The construction of the Gwagwalada Mini Stadium by the FCT Minister is a massive welcome development for the Sports Commission. The Minister deserves all the accolades for the good work he has been doing in the FCT, particularly in the area of construction and infrastructure development,” Hon. Olopade said.

The NSC reiterated its commitment to working with relevant stakeholders to ensure the development of sporting facilities that will support grassroots participation, talent discovery and the overall growth of sports in Nigeria.

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