Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, has praised the Ladies’ Golf Association of Nigeria for launching an initiative aimed at introducing 300 young girls to golf across the country.
The project, known as the Girls in Golf Legacy Project, is expected to expand opportunities for female participation in the sport and encourage more young Nigerians to consider golf.
Mrs Tinubu, who is the grand patron of the 2026 All-Africa Challenge Trophy (AACT), announced her support for the initiative on Tuesday during the championship’s opening ceremony at the IBB International Golf and Country Club in Abuja.
According to a statement issued by her media aide, Busola Kukoyi, the programme will reach girls across Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones.
The First Lady described the initiative as an important opportunity to develop young female golfers and strengthen women’s participation in sports.
“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.
Tinubu also welcomed Nigeria’s hosting of the All-Africa Challenge Trophy for the third time, describing it as evidence of the confidence placed in the country by the African golfing community.
She noted that the participation of 20 African countries demonstrated how sporting competitions could promote unity and strengthen relationships across the continent.
The First Lady said the championship’s theme, “Uniting Africa Through the Greens,” reflected golf’s ability to bring people together across cultural and national boundaries while encouraging excellence and a shared African identity.
She urged the participating golfers to compete with determination, integrity and respect for sportsmanship. She also encouraged visitors to explore Nigeria’s cultural attractions and experience the hospitality of its people.
Earlier, the President of the Ladies’ Golf Association of Nigeria, Dr Lami Onayi, and the President of the Nigeria Golf Federation, Otunba Segun Runsewe, highlighted the role of golf in promoting African unity.
They also called for wider participation in the sport across different age groups and genders, noting the increasing presence of Nigerian women in golf.
Tinubu formally opened the championship through a ceremonial tee-off alongside other dignitaries and some of the young girls involved in the legacy project.
The 2026 All-Africa Challenge Trophy is scheduled to conclude on Saturday, November 7.
