First Lady Becomes Grand Patron Of All Africa Challenge Trophy, Champions Girls’ Golf Mentorship

First Lady Oluremi Tinubu has been decorated as the Grand Patron of the All Africa Challenge Trophy (AACT), Nigeria 2026, as she canvassed stronger mentorship opportunities for girls in golf.

The AACT, described as Africa’s premier women’s amateur golf championship, is scheduled to hold in Abuja from November 2 to 7, 2026, with golfers from about 30 countries expected to participate.

Tinubu was decorated during a visit by the Ladies Golf Association of Nigeria, led by its President, Dr Lami Onayi Ahmed, to seek national support for the continental championship.

The First Lady commended the association for its proposed Girls in Golf Legacy Project, which aims to mentor and nurture 300 girls in the sport.

She said the girls could potentially become world champions, stressing that success in golf requires discipline, commitment and dedication, qualities she said could also help shape their future.

Tinubu also congratulated the association for securing the hosting rights, noting that the tournament would provide opportunities to promote tourism and contribute to economic activity in Nigeria.

Earlier, the President of the Court of Appeal and Chairperson of the Board of Trustees of the IBB International Golf and Country Club, Justice Monica Mensem, commended the First Lady for her efforts in supporting girls and women in the country.

Ahmed formally requested the First Lady’s endorsement of the tournament, as well as her participation in the opening ceremony and ceremonial tee-off.

She and Mensem subsequently decorated Tinubu as the Grand Patron of AACT Nigeria 2026.

The First Lady marked the beginning of her new role with a symbolic tee-off using a golf practice kit in her office.

Nigeria secured the hosting rights after a competitive bid in Morocco. The championship will be held at the IBB International Golf and Country Club in Abuja and will feature female golfers from approximately 30 countries.

The 2026 edition will be the third time Nigeria is hosting the continental women’s amateur golf championship.