Interior minister backs LGAN, pledges support for 2026 golf championship

The Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, has pledged support for a seamless hosting of the All Africa Challenge Trophy (AACT) in Abuja.

Tunji-Ojo made the pledge during a courtesy visit by Lami Ahmed, President of the Ladies Golf Association of Nigeria (LGAN), and members of her delegation to his office in Abuja on Wednesday.

The minister commended women’s growing participation in golf, describing them as strong and capable contributors to national development and leadership.

“Women are not weaker vessels; strength and resilience define them.

“I see confidence and leadership in women golfers, and that inspires me greatly,” Tunji-Ojo said.

He praised LGAN’s leadership, noting that managing an association required dedication, vision, and resilience beyond ordinary expectations.

“Keeping an association united is not easy. Your leadership reflects discipline and excellence. I commend you for sustaining this progress,” he added.

Tunji-Ojo also congratulated Nigeria for securing hosting rights for the continental championship, describing it as a significant achievement.

“Winning the hosting rights against strong contenders is commendable. It is a proud moment for Nigeria and a testament to your hard work.

“As for the visa facilitation, I assure you that entry processes will be simplified for visiting delegations across Africa.

“Visa is an enabler, not a barrier. We will ensure smooth entry processes that promote tourism, trade, and a positive Nigerian experience,” he said.

He directed the Nigerian Immigration Service to create a dedicated desk to coordinate arrivals and logistics with LGAN officials.

Tunji-Ojo also assured adequate security through collaboration with relevant agencies to guarantee safety throughout the event period.

He said that security was his ministry’s core mandate and as such would deploy adequate personnel and logistics to ensure a safe and successful championship.

The minister pledged to support partnerships and inter-agency collaboration to strengthen the event’s execution and outcomes.

“We will facilitate connections with institutions and agencies to ensure this event meets global standards and delivers lasting impact.”

Earlier, LGAN President, Ahmed, said Nigeria would host the AACT from Nov. 2 to Nov. 14, 2026, in Abuja.

She noted that the event would attract participants from over 30 African countries, positioning Nigeria as a hub for sports and diplomacy.

“This championship is more than a tournament; it is a platform for continental unity, investment, and global visibility for Nigeria.

“I commend the ongoing reforms in the Interior Ministry, particularly improvements in passport processing and border management systems.

“These reforms reflect efficiency and professionalism, aligning with our vision to present Nigeria as a modern and welcoming destination,” she said.

Ahmed said LGAN required support in visa facilitation, security, corporate partnerships, and inter-ministerial collaboration.

She added that the Local Organising Committee was deploying a N547 million operational framework to execute the large scale project.

She sought for strategic partnership to deliver a seamless, secure, and globally competitive championship that would reflects Nigeria’s excellence.

Ahmed added that the event aligned with national priorities on tourism, youth engagement, women empowerment, and international image projection.

“With strong institutional backing, Nigeria will once again demonstrate leadership and organisational capacity on the continental stage.”

The highlight of the meeting was the decoration of the minister by LGAN, as an AACT partner and presentation of award in recognition of his leadership and hard work in the Ministry.