Sports
NILDS DG Advocates Sports Law Reforms, Backs All Africa Challenge Trophy
By Uche Hilary
The Director-General of the National Institute for Legislative and Democratic Studies (NILDS), Prof. Suleiman Abubakar, has called for comprehensive legislative reforms and sustainable funding mechanisms to unlock the full potential of Nigeria’s sports sector, while reaffirming the institute’s support for the hosting of the All Africa Challenge Trophy by the Ladies Golfers Association of Nigeria (LGAN).
Prof. Abubakar made the remarks while receiving officials of the association, stressing that meaningful collaboration between government, the legislature and the private sector is essential to creating an enabling environment for sports to flourish.
According to him, Nigeria must develop policies and enact legislation that will encourage greater investment in sports and guarantee long-term funding for athletes, competitions and sports infrastructure.
“Everybody loves sports, but government must provide the enabling environment for it to thrive. We must put in place policies and legislation that will encourage participation and compel greater investment in sports development,” he said.
The NILDS Director-General described sports as a powerful instrument for nation-building, public health, economic growth and international diplomacy, urging the National Assembly and state legislatures to prioritise laws that will strengthen governance, funding and oversight of the sector.
“Sports is health. Sports is life. It remains an instrument of nation-building, a booster of our country’s image and an important tool of foreign policy. If sports play such a pivotal role, then government and parliament must show greater commitment,” he added.
Speaking on the proposed All Africa Challenge Trophy, Prof. Abubakar praised the Ladies Golfers Association of Nigeria for championing women’s participation in sports and seeking to bring the prestigious continental tournament to Nigeria.
He described the initiative as a major step towards promoting gender inclusion and expanding opportunities for women in sports across Africa.
“We talk about gender inclusivity and advancing the cause of women. These women have not only competed successfully with their counterparts across Africa, but are also working to bring this prestigious tournament to Nigeria. We need to encourage them, support them and connect them with policymakers,” he said.
Prof. Abubakar further disclosed that under a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the organisers, NILDS will provide technical support, policy advocacy and facilitate strategic engagement with government institutions and lawmakers to ensure the successful hosting of the championship.
He reaffirmed the institute’s commitment to promoting policies that enhance women’s participation in sports while driving the overall growth and development of the Nigerian sports industry.
Sports
11 Days to AACT 2026: Munir Tijjani Assures of Nigeria’s Readiness, Government Support
Joel Ajayi
With 11 days to the 2026 All Africa Challenge Trophy (AACT), the championship consultant, Munir Tijjani, has expressed confidence in Nigeria’s preparedness to host the continental women’s golf championship, citing the support of government agencies and key stakeholders.
Tijjani said preparations were progressing with the cooperation of relevant institutions and stakeholders, expressing optimism that Nigeria would deliver a successful championship that showcases the country’s organisational capacity and hospitality to participating African nations.
He noted that the support received from government agencies and other partners had been important to the preparations, helping to strengthen coordination and the arrangements required to welcome teams from across the continent.
The AACT consultant also assured participating countries and golfers that the IBB International Golf & Country Club in Abuja would be open for the championship, expressing confidence in the venue’s readiness to host the competition.
The assurance comes as preparations enter their final phase ahead of the tournament, which will bring together women golfers representing their countries in a contest for continental honours.
For Nigeria, hosting the championship offers an opportunity to promote women’s golf, strengthen sporting relationships across Africa and showcase the country as a destination for international sporting events.
Nigeria will host the All Africa Challenge Trophy for the third time, following the 1996 edition at Ikoyi Club 1938 in Lagos and the 2010 championship at the IBB International Golf & Country Club in Abuja.
The 2026 tournament is scheduled for November 2 to 7 at the Abuja golf course, with about 30 African countries expected to participate.
Under the slogan “Uniting Africa through the greens,” the championship aims to bring African nations together through women’s golf while creating opportunities for cultural exchange, tourism and broader continental cooperation.
With 11 days remaining, the Local Organising Committee and its partners are intensifying final preparations to ensure Nigeria welcomes Africa for a memorable championship.
11 DAYS TO GO.
AACT 2026: UNITING AFRICA THROUGH THE GREENS.
AFRICA IS COMING TO ABUJA.
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