By| Goodluck E.Adubazi, Abuja
The Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, Governor Umo Eno of Akwa Ibom State, Governor Hope Uzodimma of Imo State and other prominent dignitaries are expected to headline the maiden fundraising golf tournament of the League of African Ambassadors (LAA), as the organisation intensifies efforts to promote diplomatic dialogue, African unity and sustainable development across the continent.
The two-day golf tournament is scheduled to hold from August 29 to 30, 2026, at the Ibom Golf and Country Club in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, and will serve as the League’s flagship platform for sports diplomacy, networking and fundraising for development initiatives.
Speaking at a press briefing in Abuja, President of the League, Ambassador Nwanne Ominyi, said the LAA was established to bring together serving and retired African ambassadors to leverage their diplomatic experience in advancing Africa’s development agenda.
He disclosed that the organisation was officially inaugurated on October 14, 2025, under the African Union Economic, Social and Cultural Council (AU-ECOSOCC), with a mandate to complement the efforts of African governments, the African Union, Regional Economic Communities and other continental institutions.
According to Ominyi, the League will champion diplomatic dialogue, mentorship, youth empowerment, knowledge sharing and stronger Africa-to-Africa relations while fostering strategic partnerships among governments, the private sector, development agencies and civil society organisations.
He explained that the fundraising golf programme was conceived as an innovative platform to mobilise resources for continental development projects while strengthening relationships among diplomats, policymakers and business leaders.
Ominyi further announced that after the Nigerian edition, the tournament would be extended to Ghana, Ethiopia, Kenya, South Africa, Zambia, Zimbabwe, Tanzania, Mozambique, Morocco and Egypt.
He noted that the Nigerian event is being organised under the auspices of Ambassador Lt.-Gen. Tukur Yusuf Buratai (Rtd), a member of the League’s Board of Trustees for West Africa.
Chairman of the Nigerian Fundraising Golf Committee, Ambassador Ben Okoyen, said the tournament would provide an avenue for diplomats, government officials, corporate executives and development partners to deepen collaboration in pursuit of Africa’s development goals.
Okoyen revealed that a 25-member organising committee comprising professionals from diplomacy, government, the corporate sector and the golfing community had been inaugurated to ensure a successful outing.
He added that participation would be limited to 150 golfers, while the event is expected to attract members of the diplomatic corps, senior government officials, corporate leaders and golf enthusiasts from within and outside Nigeria.
He also disclosed that winners would compete for prizes, including return flight tickets to London, Barbados and Accra.
Reaffirming the League’s vision, Ominyi said the organisation remains committed to working closely with Nigeria’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, governments, development partners and the private sector, stressing that Africa’s future lies in strong leadership, continental solidarity and home-grown solutions backed by constructive global partnerships.
