The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has thrown his weight behind women’s golf development in Nigeria, pledging support for the provision of a permanent office for the Ladies’ Golf Association of Nigeria (LGAN) and facilities for nurturing young talents.
Wike also approved a 50-50 cost-sharing arrangement with the association for the use of the Bola Ahmed Tinubu International Conference Centre, Abuja, for the closing banquet and prize presentation of the All Africa Challenge Trophy (AACT) Nigeria 2026.
The minister made the promises on Friday when he received a delegation of the association, led by its President, Dr Mrs Lami Ahmed, at his official residence in Life Camp, Abuja.
The championship, scheduled for November 2 to 7 at the IBB International Golf and Country Club, Abuja, is expected to attract golfers and delegates from more than 30 African countries.
Wike, who pledged assistance towards the development of women’s and junior golf, said the FCT Administration was willing to consider the association’s request for land for a permanent office, subject to clear development commitments.
He warned against allocating public land without definite timelines for development, stressing that beneficiaries must demonstrate commitment to putting such properties to productive use.
On the request to serve as Chief Host of the championship, the minister expressed reservations, explaining that the position required active involvement which his tight schedule might not allow.
He, however, assured the delegation that the administration was already working to improve the facilities at the IBB International Golf and Country Club ahead of the competition.
According to him, rehabilitation work at the golf course had reached about 35 per cent completion, following the engagement of the construction company to undertake necessary improvements despite the short timeframe.
Wike expressed disappointment that a major sporting facility could have been allowed to deteriorate, describing its condition as a reflection of the challenges of managing public institutions.
“Why should such a place be run down? It is easy to criticise people who are elected or appointed to superintend over affairs in the country. But you see how difficult it is to run a small place. Then you are talking about complex countries and complex societies,” he said.
On the use of the Bola Ahmed Tinubu International Conference Centre, Wike explained that the association would share the cost of hosting its closing banquet and prize presentation with the FCT Administration.
He said the 50-50 arrangement was necessary because the facility required regular cleaning and maintenance, adding that its use could not be provided free of charge.
Earlier, LGAN President, Ahmed, said the championship, with the theme, “Uniting Africa Through the Greens”, would provide an opportunity to showcase Abuja’s hospitality, sporting infrastructure and tourism potential to the international community.
She appealed for the minister’s endorsement, financial assistance and support for women’s and junior golf development, noting that the tournament would strengthen Nigeria’s position in continental sports.
Ahmed also applauded Wike’s commitment to sports development, describing his recognition as Pillar of Sports Africa as well deserved.
She said the association was determined to use the championship to establish a lasting legacy for women’s golf, grassroots sports development, tourism and investment in the FCT.
