First Lady Oluremi Tinubu has backed plans by the Ladies Golf Association of Nigeria (LGAN) to mentor and nurture 300 girls through golf, saying the initiative could produce future world champions.
Tinubu made the remarks after she was decorated as the Grand Patron of the All Africa Challenge Trophy (AACT), Nigeria 2026, a premier women’s amateur golf championship scheduled to hold in Abuja from Nov. 2 to Nov. 7.
The First Lady received the association during a visit aimed at building national support for the continental championship and its proposed Girls in Golf Legacy Project.
She commended the initiative, saying the discipline and commitment required to excel in golf could help shape the character and future of the girls.
Tinubu said some of the beneficiaries could eventually become world champions, stressing the importance of providing young girls with opportunities to develop their talents from an early age.
She also congratulated the association on securing the hosting rights for the tournament, noting that the championship could contribute to Nigeria’s tourism and economic development.
The President of the Association, Dr Lami Onayi Ahmed, had requested Tinubu’s endorsement of the tournament, as well as her participation in the opening ceremony and ceremonial tee-off.
Ahmed, alongside 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, subsequently decorated Tinubu as Grand Patron of the AACT Nigeria 2026.
Tinubu marked the beginning of her new role with a symbolic tee-off using a golf practice kit at her office.
The 2026 edition will mark the third time Nigeria is hosting the continental women’s amateur golf championship.