Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has approved a 50-50 cost-sharing arrangement with the Ladies’ Golf Association of Nigeria, LGAN, for the use of the Bola Ahmed Tinubu International Conference Centre.
The venue is expected to host the closing banquet and prize presentation for the forthcoming All Africa Challenge Trophy, AACT, Nigeria 2026.
Wike, who pledged support towards the construction of a permanent office for the association and facilities to promote junior golf development, however, rejected a total financial waiver for the use of the conference centre, explaining that the facility requires regular maintenance and cleaning.
Speaking when he received the LGAN delegation led by its President, Lami Ahmed, at his official residence in Life Camp, on Friday, the minister also expressed reservations about accepting the association’s request to serve as Chief Host of the continental women’s amateur golf championship, scheduled for November 2 to 7 at the IBB International Golf and Country Club, Abuja, citing his tight schedule.
Wike further revealed that the FCT Administration had already intervened to address the deteriorating condition of the IBB International Golf and Country Club, noting that rehabilitation work had reached about 35 per cent completion.
The minister questioned how a facility of such national importance could have been allowed to deteriorate, describing its condition as an illustration of leadership failure and the difficulties encounters in managing public institutions.
He said, “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.”
On the request for land for a permanent association office and ladies’ golf development, the minister said the FCTA was willing to consider the application, subject to a strict agreement specifying the period within which the proposed facilities must be completed.
He stressed that land allocations must come with clear development commitments to prevent public property from remaining unused after allocation.
Earlier, the LGAN President, Lami Ahmed, said the championship, themed “Uniting Africa Through the Greens,” would attract golfers and delegates from more than 30 African countries, offering Abuja an opportunity to showcase its hospitality, sporting facilities, and tourism potential.
Ahmed appealed for the minister’s endorsement, financial assistance, and support for the development of women’s and junior golf in Nigeria, describing the competition as an opportunity to strengthen the country’s position in continental sports.
While commending Wike’s commitment to sports development and describing his recognition as Pillar of Sports Africa as well-deserved, Ahmed said the association’s vision extended beyond hosting the championship to establishing a sustainable legacy for women’s golf and grassroots sports development in the FCT.
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