...As 32 Countries Register for All Africa Challenge Trophy—LGAN
NBy Joyce Remi-Babayeju
The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Barr. Nyesom Wike, has assured the Ladies Golf Association of Nigeria of the FCT Administration’s support for the successful hosting of the forthcoming All Africa Challenge Trophy, saying work on the IBB International Golf and Country Club is nearing completion.
Wike gave the assurance when the President of the Ladies Golf Association of Nigeria( LGNA) , and her delegation paid him a courtesy visit, ahead of the continental golf championship scheduled to take place at the prestigious IBB International Golf and Country Club, Abuja.
The Minister, who described golf as an elite sport requiring considerable physical strength, endurance and commitment, said although he had yet to embrace the game, he was willing to learn more and engage with the association.
He, however, commended the association's leadership for its efforts towards ensuring that Nigeria successfully hosts the continental tournament.
Wike recalled that the FCT Administration had intervened in issues surrounding the management and development of the golf course to ensure that the facility was ready for the championship.
He disclosed that work on the facility had reached about 95 per cent completion, stressing that the importance of the tournament made it necessary for the administration to ensure that outstanding works were addressed.
The Minister also acknowledged the efforts of the association's leadership in seeking government intervention to facilitate the preparations, assuring them of his willingness to support the successful hosting of the event.
Earlier, the President of the Ladies Golf Association of Nigeria ( LGAN) , Dr. Lami Onayi Ahmed who led the delegation, commended Wike for his commitment to sports development, describing him as a worthy pillar of sports in Africa.
She expressed appreciation for the Minister's support for the association, particularly the FCT Administration's intervention in preparing the IBB International Golf and Country Club for the continental championship.
She said the association secured Nigeria's hosting rights for the All Africa Challenge Trophy in Morocco two years ago as part of its contribution to national development, sports promotion and tourism.
According to her, 32 countries have already registered and fulfilled the necessary requirements to participate in the tournament, with the possibility of additional countries joining before the competition.
The association's president said the championship would bring together female golfers from across Africa and provide Nigeria with an opportunity to showcase its organisational capacity, sporting facilities and tourism potential.
She also thanked Wike for supporting the preparations and making it possible for the association to look forward to hosting the prestigious continental competition in Abuja.
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