The League of African Ambassadors (LAA) has unveiled its continental vision aimed at strengthening African diplomacy, unity, economic cooperation and sustainable development, while announcing plans to stage its inaugural fundraising golf tournament in Nigeria.
Speaking at a press briefing in Abuja on Tuesday, the President of the League, Ambassador Nwanne Ominyi, said the organisation was established to bring together serving and retired African ambassadors to leverage their diplomatic experience, institutional knowledge and professional networks in advancing Africa’s development agenda.
According to him, the League was launched on October 14, 2025, under the auspices of the African Union Economic, Social and Cultural Council (AU-ECOSOCC) to complement the work of national governments, the African Union, Regional Economic Communities and other continental institutions.
Ominyi said the League’s programmes would focus on diplomatic dialogue, mentorship, youth empowerment, Africa-to-Africa relations and partnerships with governments, development institutions, the private sector and civil society.
A key initiative of the organisation is the LAA Fundraising Golf Programme, which combines sport with diplomacy, networking and resource mobilisation to support the League’s activities across Africa.
The maiden edition will take place at the Ibom Golf and Country Club, Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, from August 29 to 30, 2026, and will serve as the launch pad for similar tournaments planned in 11 African countries, including Ghana, Ethiopia, Kenya, South Africa, Zambia, Zimbabwe, Tanzania, Mozambique, Morocco and Egypt.
The tournament in Nigeria is being organised under the auspices of former Chief of Army Staff, 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 initiative goes beyond sports, describing it as a platform for diplomats, government officials, business leaders and development partners to build stronger relationships and promote Africa’s development.
He noted that the 25-member organising committee comprises experienced diplomats, public officials, business leaders and golf administrators, reflecting the League’s commitment to fostering collaboration across sectors.
Okoyen said only 150 golfers would participate in the two-day event, which will feature prizes including return flight tickets to London, Barbados and Accra.
He disclosed that Senate President Godswill Akpabio, members of the National Assembly, and the governors of Akwa Ibom and Imo states are expected to perform the ceremonial tee-off on August 29, while the Minister of Foreign Affairs is expected to conduct the putting-out ceremony on August 30 to officially close the tournament.
The League also reaffirmed Nigeria’s strategic role in African affairs, expressing its commitment to working closely with the Federal Ministry of Foreign Affairs, diplomatic missions, governments and other stakeholders to strengthen continental cooperation.
Calling for broad support, Ominyi urged governments, the media, corporate organisations, development partners, golf associations and civil society organisations to partner with the League in promoting African-led solutions to the continent’s challenges.
“Our message is simple: Africa’s future requires African leadership, African solidarity and African solutions, supported by constructive partnerships with the wider world,” he said.
He added that the League would continue to promote mentorship, intergenerational knowledge transfer and strategic partnerships to help build a stronger African voice in global affairs.
