The Director of Payment System Supervision at the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Rakiya Yusuf, has thrown her weight behind Nigeria’s bid to host the 2026 All Africa Challenge Trophy (AACT), pledging collaboration to ensure a successful outing.
Yusuf made this known on Tuesday in Abuja during a courtesy visit by the President of the Ladies Golf Association of Nigeria (LGAN), Lami Ahmed, and her delegation.
She expressed appreciation for her surprise recognition as an AACT Ambassador, describing the honour as both humbling and a call to greater responsibility.
“I am honoured by this recognition and accept the ambassadorial role with a commitment to support Nigeria’s aspiration of hosting the championship successfully,” she said.
The CBN director also reaffirmed the apex bank’s readiness to work with relevant stakeholders, noting that efforts would be made to facilitate a meeting between LGAN and the CBN Governor.
According to her, the Governor’s leadership style strongly emphasises collaboration, which has contributed to progress in key areas such as monetary policy, ease of doing business, and the nation’s payment systems.
Yusuf further highlighted the existence of the CBN Golf Association and introduced its captain, Sunkanmi Aroyehun, who was present at the meeting.
Aroyehun commended LGAN’s decision, describing Yusuf as a dedicated member and a strong advocate for the growth of golf.
“LGAN made the right choice. Dr Yusuf has consistently supported initiatives aimed at promoting golf, particularly within the women’s category,” he said.
Earlier, LGAN President Lami Ahmed noted that the AACT serves as a vital platform for advancing women’s golf while enhancing Nigeria’s sporting visibility across the continent.
She disclosed that the 2026 edition, scheduled for November 2 to 7 in Abuja, is expected to attract participants from over 30 African countries.
Ahmed added that hosting the tournament would boost tourism, encourage youth participation, and elevate Nigeria’s global profile in golf.
She explained that Yusuf’s appointment as an ambassador was in recognition of her sustained contributions to women’s development and the growth of ladies’ golf.
“We honour you because you believe in Nigeria’s potential and can help amplify our story on the global stage,” Ahmed said.
She also called for stronger collaboration with LGAN to mobilise support for the successful hosting of both the AACT and the National Open Championship in 2026.
