Remi Tinubu opens 2026 All-Africa women’s golf championship in Abuja

The first lady Oluremi Tinubu addressing guests at the inauguration.

Nigeria’s First Lady, Oluremi Tinubu, has declared the 2026 All-Africa Challenge Trophy (AACT) open, saying the country’s hosting of the continental women’s golf championship for the third time reflects the confidence of the African golfing community in its capacity.

Mrs Tinubu, who is the Grand Patron of the championship, spoke on Tuesday at the official opening ceremony held at the IBB International Golf and Country Club in Abuja.

She said the participation of 20 African countries underscored golf’s potential to promote unity and strengthen relationships across the continent.

“I am delighted and proud that Nigeria is hosting this prestigious championship for the third time. This is a testament to the strong confidence the African golfing community places in our nation’s capacity, unity, and sporting excellence,” she said.

The First Lady said the championship’s theme, “Uniting Africa Through the Greens”, reflected the sport’s ability to bring people together across national and cultural boundaries.

“The theme, ‘Uniting Africa Through the Greens,’ reminds us that golf transcends borders and cultures, bringing us together in a celebration of sisterhood, excellence, and our shared African identity,” she added.

Mrs Tinubu also commended the Ladies Golf Association of Nigeria for introducing the Girls in Golf Legacy Project, which aims to introduce 300 girls to the sport across the country’s six geopolitical zones.

“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 urged the participating golfers to compete with integrity and sportsmanship, while encouraging them to explore Nigeria’s cultural attractions and experience the hospitality of its people.

The First Lady also performed the ceremonial tee-off alongside other dignitaries and some of the girls participating in the legacy project, marking the formal commencement of the championship.

Other speakers at the ceremony included the President of the Ladies Golf Association of Nigeria, Lami Onayi, and the President of the Nigeria Golf Federation, Segun Runsewe.

They described golf as a unifying sport that should be accessible to people of all genders and age groups, while noting the growing presence of Nigerian women in the game.

The 2026 All-Africa Challenge Trophy will run until Saturday, 7 November.