Serving and retired African ambassadors under the aegis of League of African Ambassadors (LAA) says they are set to deploy their collective expertise in advancing African unity, peace, economic cooperation and sustainable development while strengthening the continent’s voice in global affairs.
The League, launched on Oct. 14, 2025, under the auspices of the African Union Economic, Social and Cultural Council (AU-ECOSOCC), brings together serving and retired African ambassadors.
Persecondnews correspondent reports that the League’s President and former Nigerian Ambassador to Zambia, Amb. Nwanne Ominyi, told a media briefing held at the Federal Ministry of Foreign Affairs headquarters in Abuja on Tuesday, that the body is poised to strengthen Africa’s voice globally while complementing the work of governments and regional institutions.
“Our fundamental objective is to harness the collective experience, expertise, networks and institutional memory of African Ambassadors in support of African unity, peace, economic cooperation, sustainable development and a stronger African voice in international affairs,” Ominyi said.
He said the League would promote diplomatic dialogue, knowledge-sharing, youth mentorship, Africa-Africa relations and strategic partnerships to translate its vision into practical programmes.
“We seek to complement, rather than compete with, the work of national governments, the African Union, Regional Economic Communities and other established institutions,” he said.
Ominyi also unveiled the League of African Ambassadors Golf Tournament, describing it as a platform for diplomatic engagement, African networking, partnership building and resource mobilisation to support the League’s continental programmes.
“These tournaments are not simply sporting events. They are intended to create platforms for diplomatic engagement, African networking, partnership building and resource mobilisation for initiatives consistent with the League’s continental mission,” he said.
Also speaking, Chairman of the tournament organising committee and former Nigerian Ambassador to Cuba, Amb. Ben Okoyen, said the tournament would provide a platform for diplomats, governments, businesses and development partners to build stronger relationships in support of the League’s objectives.
“Our objective is not simply to organise a successful golf tournament. Our objective is to use golf as a bridge for diplomacy, partnership, friendship and development,” Okoyen said.
He added that the initiative would also help mobilise resources for programmes that promote African solidarity, diplomacy and development across the continent.
“Golf provides an excellent environment for diplomacy because it creates opportunities for informal interaction, friendship, networking and partnership beyond the formal conference room,” he said.
According to the LAA, the event is scheduled to hold from August 29 to 30, 2026, with about 150 golfers expected to participate in the tournament at the Ibom Golf and Country Club, Uyo, Akwa Ibom State.
Vice President Kashim Shettima is expected to perform the ceremonial tee-off, while the Minister of Foreign Affairs is expected to declare the tournament closed.
Persecondnews also reports that the Nigerian edition forms part of the League’s wider plan to stage fundraising golf tournaments across 11 African countries to strengthen diplomacy, foster partnerships and mobilise resources for its continental programmes.
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