Energy Commission partners with LGAN on 2026 All Africa Challenge Trophy
The Energy Commission of Nigeria (ECN) has pledged to partner with the Ladies Golf Association of Nigeria (LGAN) to support Nigeria’s hosting of the 2026 All Africa Challenge Trophy (AACT).
The Director-General of ECN, Dr Mustapha Abdullahi, made the pledge when the President of LGAN, Dr Lami Ahmed, led a delegation on a courtesy visit to the Commission’s headquarters in Abuja.
Abdullahi said sports remained a strong platform for national unity, youth engagement and international cooperation, in line with the Federal Government’s development priorities.
He commended LGAN for securing the hosting rights for the 2026 All Africa Challenge Trophy scheduled to hold in Abuja.
“The Commission is pleased with initiatives that project Nigeria positively and bring the continent together through healthy competition and shared development goals,” he said.
Abdullahi noted that hosting international sporting events would stimulate tourism, promote infrastructure utilisation and strengthen Nigeria’s capacity to organise major continental championships.
“Sports diplomacy plays an important role in national development, and we are proud to associate with initiatives that promote Africa’s unity and Nigeria’s leadership.
“I thank LGAN for recognising the Commission and pledged continued collaboration with the association.
“We remain committed to supporting platforms that encourage youth participation, women’s leadership and national development,” Abdullahi said.
The ECN boss also highlighted the Commission’s mandate as the apex government body responsible for strategic planning and coordination of national energy policies.
According to him, the Commission was established in 1979 to guide Nigeria’s energy development and ensure sustainable utilisation of resources across oil, gas and renewable energy sectors.
“The Commission plays a central role in shaping policies that promote energy security, efficiency and sustainable development for national growth.
“ECN is also leading Nigeria’s transition to renewable energy through initiatives focusing on solar, wind, hydro and bioenergy development.
“The Commission is implementing solarisation programmes in universities, tertiary institutions and primary healthcare centres to address energy poverty.
“We are expanding access to clean and reliable energy while strengthening local capacity through partnerships and technology transfer,” he said.
Abdullahi further said ECN was collaborating with international partners to boost solar manufacturing, renewable energy investments and energy efficiency frameworks.
“Our work aligns with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which prioritises cleaner and more reliable energy to drive economic growth,” he said.
Earlier, Ahmed said Nigeria would host the 2026 All Africa Challenge Trophy from Nov. 1 to Nov. 7 in Abuja.
She said the championship would hold at the IBB International Golf and Country Club and attract participants from more than 30 African countries.
Ahmed described the tournament as Africa’s premier women’s team golf championship, bringing together elite players, officials and delegates from across the continent.
She recalled that Nigeria previously hosted the championship in 1996 at the Ikoyi Club and again in 2010 in Abuja.
Ahmed said Nigeria regained the hosting rights after presenting a successful bid before the continental body in Morocco.
“The event will showcase Nigeria’s capacity to host major international sporting competitions and promote African unity.”
She commended the National Sports Commission (NSC) for supporting the championship and recognising its contribution to Nigeria’s sports economy.
Ahmed later presented an appreciation award to Abdullahi and invited him to serve as ambassador for the 2026 championship.
Members of the LGAN delegation included Dame Julie Donli, Maryam Shehu, Halima Salihu, Wasilat Nana Abubakar, Martina Saleh, MaryRose Richard-Obioha, Kikelomo Oluwole and Jumai Adamu, as well as members of the AACT media team.