Sanwo-Olu expresses Lagos’ pledges support for successful CAF Awards in Lagos; All Africa Golf Championship
The Governor of Lagos State, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has pledged the State Government’s full support for the successful hosting of the prestigious 2026 Confederation of African Football (CAF) Awards in Lagos on December 7.
Governor Sanwo-Olu assured a CAF delegation visiting Lagos that key arrangements, including security, logistics, branding and venue access, would receive the necessary attention.
He gave the assurance, according to a statement by Gboyega Akosile, his Special Adviser – Media and Publicity, while receiving the delegation, led by the Project Lead for the CAF Awards and CAF General Assembly, Dr Christian Emeruwa, during a courtesy visit at Lagos House, Marina, on Sunday.
Governor Sanwo-Olu has also pledged his administration’s support for the successful hosting of the 2026 All Africa Challenge Trophy (AACT) in Nigeria.
The AACT, scheduled for November 2 to 7 at the IBB International Golf and Country Club in Abuja, according to another statement by Akosile, is a biennial continental ladies’ golf championship expected to bring female golfers from 30 African countries together, to compete for their respective nations.
Speaking to the CAF delegation, the Governor described Lagos as a major commercial, cultural, entertainment and technology hub in Africa, highlighting its diversity, youthful population and economic significance as key assets for hosting international events.
He said Lagos had committed to giving CAF officials, football stakeholders and international visitors a positive experience, adding that the event would provide an opportunity to showcase the state’s hospitality and capacity to host major international engagements.
Speaking earlier, Emeruwa said the CAF delegation was in Nigeria for a five-day mission to inspect proposed venues and assess preparations for the CAF Awards in Lagos and the CAF General Assembly in Abuja.
He described the CAF Awards as one of the continent’s major annual non-competitive football events, recognising outstanding players, officials and national teams for their achievements during the year under review.
The CAF Project lead noted that the December 7 ceremony would attract prominent figures in African and international football, including representatives of the Fédération Internationale de Football Association (FIFA), as well as other international guests.
Emeruwa called for support from the Lagos State Signage and Advertisement Agency (LASAA) to facilitate publicity and branding across the state. He also requested that the security operations be led by the Lagos State Government in coordination with CAF’s security team.
Speaking during a courtesy visit by the Ladies Golf Association of Nigeria (LGAN), led by its Patron and Iyalode of Lagos, Chief (Mrs) Bintu-Fatima Tinubu, Governor Sanwo-Olu commended the association’s efforts to promote women’s participation in sport, as well as to improve Africa’s global image.
The Governor expressed enthusiasm for the forthcoming championship and assured LGAN of Lagos State Government’s support.
He stressed the importance of integrity, ethical conduct and doing things the right way, urging individuals and organisations to uphold these values in their endeavours.
The Governor encouraged people to pursue new opportunities regardless of age, noting that it is never too late to begin something meaningful.
Speaking earlier, the President of the Ladies Golf Association of Nigeria, Dr Lami Ahmed, said the championship had received endorsements from the National Sports Commission, relevant Senate and House of Representatives committees, and other stakeholders.
She also disclosed that the First Lady had endorsed the event and agreed to participate in its opening and closing ceremonies.
Dr Ahmed explained that the association secured the hosting rights after a successful bid in Morocco, describing the tournament as an opportunity for Nigeria to strengthen its international image, promote tourism, attract investment and contribute to economic growth.
She also highlighted the role of golf in promoting discipline, integrity, training and leadership among women, while commending efforts to advance women’s empowerment and development.
