Runsewe Hosts AACT Dinner to Showcase  Nigerian Hospitality

President of the Nigeria Golf Federation (NGF), Otunba Olusegun Runsewe, has hosted participating countries and officials in the ongoing 2026 All Africa Challenge Trophy (AACT) to a dinner celebrating Nigerian music, entertainment and hospitality.

The dinner, held on Thursday at the IBB International Golf and Country Club, Abuja brought together golfers, officials, AACT Trustees and representatives of participating countries for an evening of entertainment, networking and celebration of African unity through sports.

More than 20 African countries are participating in the championship, which has further strengthened the platform for promoting women’s golf across the continent.

A major highlight of the dinner was the presentation of gifts and awards of appreciation by Runsewe to all participating countries.

The NGF President also honoured the AACT President, Madame Cécile Poncet, as well as the Trustees representing Northern, Southern, Eastern, Western and Central Africa for their contributions to the growth and development of the championship.

Runsewe described Nigeria’s hosting of the continental championship as an opportunity to strengthen African solidarity, promote cultural exchange and deepen relationships among golf stakeholders.

He said the dinner was organised to showcase Nigeria’s rich cultural heritage, vibrant entertainment industry and renowned hospitality to visitors from across Africa.

According to him, golf remains an important platform for bringing people together, promoting friendship and fostering cooperation among African countries.

“We are delighted to welcome our African sisters to Nigeria. Beyond the competition, this championship provides an opportunity to celebrate our unity, culture and shared commitment to developing golf.

“We want our guests to return home with beautiful memories of Nigeria, its hospitality, entertainment and the warmth of its people,” he said.

Runsewe commended the participating countries and officials for their commitment to women’s golf, urging them to sustain the spirit of sportsmanship and togetherness beyond the championship.

He also appreciated the President of the Ladies Golf Association of Nigeria (LGAN), Dr Lami Ahmed, and her executive members for their dedication to organising the tournament.

In her remarks, Ahmed thanked Runsewe for hosting the dinner, describing the gesture as a demonstration of his commitment to the success of the championship.

She said the gathering provided an opportunity to appreciate participating countries, celebrate African friendship and recognise stakeholders’ contributions to women’s golf.

“We are sincerely grateful to the NGF President for hosting us and providing our visiting golfers and officials an opportunity to experience Nigeria’s hospitality.

“This championship is about more than winning trophies; it is about building friendships, strengthening relationships and creating opportunities for women golfers across Africa,” she said.

Ahmed also appreciated all participating countries for accepting Nigeria’s invitation and contributing to the success of the championship.

She commended the AACT Trustees across the continent for their guidance, dedication and continued support, noting that their contributions remained vital to sustaining the competition.

The LGAN President said the championship would further encourage women’s participation in golf and inspire younger generations to embrace the sport.

She expressed optimism that Nigeria’s successful hosting would strengthen the country’s reputation as a destination for major international golf events.

The evening featured Nigerian music, cultural performances and social interactions, giving visiting delegations an opportunity to experience the country’s rich cultural heritage and entertainment industry.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the 2026 AACT was officially declared open by the First Lady, Sen. Oluremi Tinubu, on Tuesday.

The championship, taking place at the IBB International Golf and Country Club, Abuja, is expected to conclude with the final championship rounds on Friday. (NAN)