Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, has commended the Ladies Golf Association of Nigeria (LGAN) for launching the Girls in Golf Legacy Project, an initiative designed to introduce 300 young girls to golf across the country’s six geopolitical zones.
Mrs Tinubu described the programme as an important step towards expanding opportunities for girls in sports, developing future female golfers and strengthening women’s participation in a sport that has traditionally attracted limited grassroots involvement.
The First Lady made the commendation during the official opening of the 2026 All-Africa Challenge Trophy (AACT) at the IBB International Golf and Country Club in Abuja on Tuesday, November 3.
She said the initiative would create opportunities for the next generation of female golfers while encouraging more young Nigerian girls to explore their abilities and participate in competitive 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.
Girls in Golf Legacy Project Targets Nationwide Participation
The Girls in Golf Legacy Project forms part of LGAN’s efforts to expand the sport beyond established golf clubs and introduce more young girls to the game.
By targeting 300 participants across Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones, the initiative seeks to broaden access to golf and create a pathway for young talents to discover and develop their abilities.
The programme also carries a wider development objective, as early exposure to sports can help young people build discipline, confidence, concentration, patience and leadership skills.
For golf in particular, introducing girls at an early age could help strengthen the country’s talent pipeline and increase the number of female players progressing into amateur and professional competitions.
Mrs Tinubu’s endorsement provides additional visibility for the initiative and reinforces the importance of partnerships between sporting associations, government institutions and organisations committed to women’s development.
First Lady Opens 2026 All-Africa Challenge Trophy
The First Lady’s remarks came as Nigeria hosted the 2026 All-Africa Challenge Trophy for the third time.
The continental women’s golf championship brought together female golfers from 20 African countries, providing a platform for competition, cultural exchange and stronger relationships among participating nations.
Mrs Tinubu, who served as Grand Patron of the championship, expressed pride in Nigeria’s opportunity to host the event again, describing it as evidence of the confidence the African golfing community has in the country’s capacity, unity and sporting excellence.
She also highlighted the championship’s theme, “Uniting Africa Through the Greens,” noting that golf could bring people together across national, cultural and geographical boundaries.
According to her, the competition represented more than a contest for sporting honours because it also provided an opportunity to promote friendship, sisterhood and a shared African identity.
The First Lady subsequently performed the ceremonial tee-off alongside other dignitaries and some of the young girls participating in the Girls in Golf Legacy Project to formally declare the championship open.
LGAN and Golf Federation Leaders Back Wider Inclusion
Earlier, the President of the Ladies Golf Association of Nigeria, Dr Lami Onayi, highlighted the importance of hosting the continental championship and expanding opportunities for women in the sport.
She acknowledged the support received from stakeholders and described the competition as an opportunity to strengthen Nigeria’s position in African golf while promoting greater participation among female players.
The President of the Nigeria Golf Federation, Otunba Segun Runsewe, also emphasised golf’s unifying potential and the need to make the sport more accessible to people across different age groups and genders.
Both organisations have important roles in strengthening the country’s golfing ecosystem, particularly through talent development, competitions and initiatives that encourage wider participation.
The growing presence of Nigerian female golfers in competitive events also demonstrates the opportunities available when players receive the necessary training, encouragement and institutional support.
Nigeria Uses Golf to Strengthen African Unity
The 2026 All-Africa Challenge Trophy further provided Nigeria with an opportunity to strengthen sporting relationships across the continent.
With 20 countries participating, the championship brought together female golfers from different backgrounds to compete while building friendships and sharing experiences.
Mrs Tinubu encouraged the visiting athletes to compete with passion, integrity and sportsmanship. She also invited them to explore Nigeria’s landmarks, experience its cultural diversity and enjoy the hospitality of its people.
She expressed hope that the championship would strengthen the bonds among African countries and encourage greater cooperation through sports.
Nigeria previously hosted the competition in 1996 and 2010, making the 2026 edition its third time organising the continental championship.
Building a Sustainable Future for Women’s Golf
The Girls in Golf Legacy Project gives the championship a grassroots development dimension beyond the competition itself.
Although international tournaments provide visibility for established athletes, sustainable growth in women’s golf also depends on introducing younger generations to the sport and providing them with opportunities to develop.
The proposed introduction of 300 girls across the six geopolitical zones could help identify emerging talents and encourage more families and communities to embrace golf as a sporting option for young women.
However, sustaining the initiative will require continued access to training facilities, qualified coaches, equipment, competitions and development pathways that allow participants to progress beyond their initial exposure.
For LGAN, the project offers an opportunity to build a stronger foundation for women’s golf in Nigeria. For the beneficiaries, it could provide a first introduction to a sport capable of opening educational, professional and international opportunities.
Mrs Tinubu’s commendation therefore highlights the broader significance of the initiative: expanding access to sports, empowering young girls and creating a stronger future for female golfers in Nigeria.
