WIKE PLEDGES TO SUPPORT LADY GOLFERS, GOLF DEVELOPMENT, SAYS IBB GOLF COURSE 35 PERCENT READY
By: Wisdom Acka
Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Barrister Nyesom Wike, has pledged support towards the construction of a permanent office for the Ladies’ Golf Association of Nigeria (LGAN) and agreed to a 50-50 cost-sharing arrangement for the use of the Bola Ahmed Tinubu International Conference Centre for the forthcoming All Africa Challenge Trophy (AACT) Nigeria 2026.
Wike also pledged to support the hosting of the continental women’s amateur golf championship, scheduled for November 2 to 7 at the IBB International Golf and Country Club, Abuja, while offering assistance towards the association’s request for facilities to promote junior golf development.
The Minister made the commitments on Friday, 30 October, 2026 when a delegation of the LGAN, led by its President, Dr Mrs Lami Ahmed, paid him a visit at his official residence in Life Camp, Abuja.
He however, expressed reservations about accepting the association’s request to serve as Chief Host, explaining that such a responsibility carried obligations that required his active participation, which his tight schedule might not permit.
According to him, the FCT Administration had already intervened in addressing the deteriorating condition of the IBB International Golf and Country Club, noting that work on the facility had reached about 35 per cent completion.
The Minister stated that government had engaged the company responsible for the golf course construction to ensure that necessary improvements were undertaken ahead of the championship, despite the limited time available.
He questioned how a facility of such importance could have been allowed to deteriorate, describing its condition as an illustration of leadership failure and the difficulties associated with managing public institutions.
“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,” he said.
On the association’s request for him to serve as Chief Host, the Minister explained that he was reluctant accepting the responsibility because the request came after the bidding process had been completed and only days before the championship.
Regarding the request for land for a permanent association office and Ladies’ Golf development, Wike said the administration was willing to consider the request subject to an agreement specifying the period within which the proposed facilities must be completed.
He stressed that land allocations should come with clear development commitments to prevent public property from remaining unused after allocation.
Regarding the request to use the Bola Ahmed Tinubu International Conference Centre for the closing banquet and prize presentation, Wike agreed to a 50-50 cost-sharing arrangement with the association, rather than granting free use of the facility.
He stated that the conference centre required regular maintenance and cleaning, adding that the association would have to share the financial responsibility for its use.
Earlier, Ahmed said the November 2-7 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.
She 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.
Ahmed also commended Wike’s commitment to sports development, describing his recognition as Pillar of Sports Africa as well deserved.
She said the association’s vision extended beyond hosting the championship to establishing a sustainable legacy for women’s golf, grassroots sports development, tourism and investment in the Territory.
