Sports
Maryam Shehu Highlights Economic Prospects as AACT 2026 Countdown Hits 17 Days
Joy Samania
With 17 days to the 2026 All Africa Challenge Trophy (AACT), attention is turning to the business and economic opportunities the continental women’s golf championship is expected to create, including through a planned Business and Economic Summit.
Maryam Shehu, Chairperson of the Government and Stakeholders Relations Committee for AACT Nigeria 2026, says the summit will provide an important platform for participants to explore business opportunities, build connections and engage in conversations around investment, trade and economic cooperation.
The initiative reflects the broader vision of AACT 2026 as more than a sporting competition, bringing together golf, business, tourism and cultural exchange in a celebration of African unity and shared opportunities.
With golf bringing together players, officials, administrators and other stakeholders from across the continent, the championship presents an opportunity to strengthen professional networks and showcase Abuja as a destination for sporting events, business engagement and tourism.
The Business and Economic Summit is expected to complement the on-course action by creating room for discussions on how sporting events can stimulate economic activity, encourage partnerships and open doors for businesses and other participating stakeholders.
For businesses, entrepreneurs and investors, such engagements can offer opportunities to establish contacts, exchange ideas and explore areas of mutual interest. The gathering also provides a platform to consider how sport can contribute to tourism development, hospitality, service delivery and wider economic relations across African countries.
Shehu’s role in government and stakeholder relations places her at the centre of efforts to connect the championship with relevant institutions, partners and other stakeholders, ensuring that the event’s potential benefits extend beyond the golf course.
The summit also aligns with the spirit of the 2026 championship, whose slogan is “Uniting Africa through the greens.” The message underscores the power of golf to bring people and nations together while creating opportunities for dialogue, collaboration and development.
Nigeria will host the All Africa Challenge Trophy for the third time, following previous editions in Lagos in 1996 and Abuja in 2010. The 2026 championship is scheduled for November 2 to 7 at the IBB International Golf & Country Club, Abuja.
As preparations continue, the focus is increasingly on delivering an event that celebrates women’s golf while showcasing Nigeria’s hospitality, strengthening African connections and highlighting the wider social and economic value of hosting major sporting competitions.
17 DAYS TO GO.
AACT 2026: UNITING AFRICA THROUGH THE GREENS. AFRICA IS COMING TO ABUJA.
Sports
Nigeria Targets Grassroots Sports Revival as Tinubu’s Aide Adeboye Unveils National Sports Grassroots Summit
Joel Ajayi
The Senior Special Assistant to President Bola Tinubu on Grassroots Sports Development, Adeboye Adeyinka, has called for a comprehensive overhaul of grassroots sports development in Nigeria, urging stakeholders to prioritise youth empowerment, education and national development alongside medals and trophies.
Adeyinka stated this on Thursday in Abuja during a press conference while announcing the 2026 National Grassroots Sports Summit, scheduled for November 18 and 19 at the Banquet Hall of the State House, Presidential Villa, Abuja.
The summit, with the theme, “Creating a New Pathway for Sustainable Grassroots Sports Development,” is expected to bring together government officials, sports administrators, state and local government representatives, private-sector investors, development partners, coaches, athletes and other stakeholders.
The presidential aide stressed that sports development must be measured not only by international achievements but also by the number of young Nigerians whose lives are positively transformed through participation in sports.
He noted that while sporting excellence could lead some athletes to Olympic medals and World Cup glory, sports also offered millions of young people opportunities for education, personal development, employment and social inclusion.
“Sometimes, when we discuss sports development, we speak about stadiums, trophies, medals and international competitions.
“But I want us to remember that at the heart of every sporting achievement is a human being,” Adeyinka said.
He explained that participation in sports could help young Nigerians secure university scholarships, develop discipline, build confidence, acquire life skills and stay away from negative influences.
According to him, sports should be recognised as an important instrument for building character, strengthening communities and creating opportunities for young people, irrespective of their backgrounds.
On talent identification, Adeyinka expressed concern that Nigeria continues to lose potential sporting talents because many children lack access to adequate facilities, qualified coaches, encouragement and organised talent-discovery programmes.
He emphasised the need for an inclusive grassroots sports system that would provide equal opportunities for children in rural communities, public schools, underserved areas and different socioeconomic backgrounds.
The presidential aide maintained that a child’s sporting prospects should not be determined by geographical location, family background or connections to influential individuals.
He warned that without a coordinated approach to identifying and nurturing young talents, the country could continue to miss opportunities to discover future champions.
Adeyinka said the forthcoming summit was designed to develop a sustainable national framework for identifying, nurturing and supporting sporting talents across the 774 local government areas.
He added that the gathering would seek practical solutions to the challenges affecting grassroots sports administration rather than focus solely on speeches and ceremonial activities.
A major objective, he explained, was to move away from fragmented talent-discovery initiatives towards a coordinated national structure connecting school and community competitions with clubs, national competitions and international sporting opportunities.
The two-day summit will deliberate on five key areas: sports participation, talent development, infrastructure, the sports economy and international pathways.
Adeyinka expressed optimism that the recommendations from the summit would provide a roadmap for strengthening grassroots sports development, expanding youth participation and positioning sports as a viable contributor to Nigeria’s economic and social development.
He called on relevant stakeholders to support the initiative and work collectively towards building a sustainable grassroots sports system capable of identifying and developing talents across the country.
-
Featured7 years agoLampard Names New Chelsea Manager
-
Featured7 years agoFG To Extends Lockdown In FCT, Lagos Ogun states For 7days
-
Featured7 years agoChildren Custody: Court Adjourns Mike Ezuruonye, Wife’s Case To April 7
-
Featured7 years agoNYSC Dismisses Report Of DG’s Plan To Islamize Benue Orientation Camp
-
Featured5 years agoTransfer Saga: How Mikel Obi Refused to compensate me After I Linked Him Worth $4m Deal In Kuwait SC – Okafor
-
Featured7 years ago
Board urges FG to establish one-stop rehabilitation centres in 6 geopolitical zones
-
Sports4 years ago
TINUBU LAMBAST DELE MOMODU
-
News2 years agoZulu to Super Eagles B team, President Tinubu is happy with you
