The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has pledged support for the development of women’s and junior golf in Nigeria, including the provision of a permanent office for the Ladies’ Golf Association of Nigeria (LGAN).
He also agreed to a 50-50 cost-sharing arrangement with the association for the use of the Bola Ahmed Tinubu International Conference Centre for the closing banquet and prize presentation of the forthcoming All Africa Challenge Trophy (AACT) Nigeria 2026.
The minister made the commitments on Friday when he received a delegation of the LGAN, led by its President, Dr Lami Ahmed, at his official residence in Life Camp, Abuja.
Wike also pledged support for the hosting of the continental women’s amateur golf championship, scheduled to take place from November 2 to 7 at the IBB International Golf and Country Club, Abuja. He further expressed willingness to consider the association’s request for facilities to promote junior golf development.
However, he expressed reservations about accepting the role of Chief Host, explaining that the position came with responsibilities requiring his active participation, which his busy schedule might not permit.
The minister said the FCT Administration had intervened to address the deteriorating condition of the IBB International Golf and Country Club, disclosing that rehabilitation work on the facility had reached about 35 per cent completion.
He explained that the administration had engaged the company responsible for the golf course construction to undertake the necessary improvements ahead of the championship, despite the limited time available.
Wike questioned why a facility of such importance had 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 request to serve as Chief Host, Wike explained that he was reluctant to accept the responsibility because it was presented after the bidding process had been concluded and only a few days before the championship.
Regarding the association’s request for land to establish a permanent office and facilities for ladies’ golf development, the minister said the administration was willing to consider the proposal, subject to a clear agreement on the timeframe for completing the proposed projects.
He emphasised that land allocations must be accompanied by definite development commitments to prevent public property from remaining unused.
On the proposed use of the Bola Ahmed Tinubu International Conference Centre for the closing banquet and prize presentation, Wike approved a 50-50 cost-sharing arrangement rather than granting the association free access to the facility.
He explained that the conference centre required regular maintenance and cleaning, adding that both parties would have to share the financial responsibilities associated with its use.
Earlier, the LGAN President, Dr Lami Ahmed, said the championship, scheduled for November 2 to 7 under the theme “Uniting Africa Through the Greens”, would attract golfers and delegates from more than 30 African countries.
She said the event would provide Abuja with an opportunity to showcase its hospitality, sporting facilities and tourism potential to the rest of the continent.
Ahmed appealed for the minister’s endorsement, financial assistance and support for the development of women’s and junior golf in Nigeria, describing the championship as an opportunity to strengthen the country’s presence in continental sports.
She also commended Wike’s support for sports development and described his recognition as Pillar of Sports Africa as well deserved.
The LGAN president said the association’s vision went beyond hosting the championship, stressing its commitment to building a sustainable legacy for women’s golf, grassroots sports development, tourism and investment in the Federal Capital Territory.
