First Lady, Remi Tinubu Commissions National Assembly First Christian Chapel

Nigeria’s political and spiritual leaders on Sunday gathered at the National Assembly to commission the legislature’s first Christian chapel, using the occasion to urge repentance, unity, patriotism, and God-guided lawmaking.

The ceremony, attended by the First Lady, Oluremi Tinubu, ministers, diplomats, and senior clerics, focused on the moral responsibilities of lawmakers serving over 200 million Nigerians.

Mrs Tinubu, who was the Special Guest of Honour at the event and cut the ribbon to mark the inauguration of the Chapel praised the visionary leadership of the President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio in completing the project which was started in the 8th Assembly.

The Senate President recalled that when he assumed office and visited the site earmarked for the chapel, it had been abandoned.

“When I first came to this place as the President of the Senate, it was overgrown with weeds—silent and abandoned. And we resolved that neglect would not have the final word. Delay would not have the final word. Faith would have the final word.”

Akpabio described the chapel as a covenant between lawmakers and God.

“While men legislate for a season, God legislates for eternity,” he said.

He noted that the chapel was completed through contributions from past and present lawmakers, not public funds, and called on Nigerians to focus on competence and patriotism in leadership.

Catholic Bishop of Sokoto Diocese, Matthew Hassan Kukah on his admonition, reminded lawmakers that their authority is temporary, while God’s authority is eternal.

“I think all lawmakers must have the same humility, because the eternal lawmaker is God himself,” Kukah said.

He urged legislators to enact laws reflecting unity and shared humanity, warning against division and hypocrisy.

Former House Speaker Yakubu Dogara cited 2 Chronicles 7:14, stressing that repentance is key to national revival.

He also warned that the chapel’s significance depends on the presence of unity among lawmakers.

Former Head of State Yakubu Gowon congratulated the National Assembly and urged lawmakers to prioritize national unity over religious differences.

“God says that we should love one another as we love ourselves. We must use this to ensure the continuity and unity of this country,” he said.

Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Benjamin Kalu, reminded legislators that the chapel symbolizes accountability to God.

Quoting Psalm 127:1, he said, “Unless the Lord builds the house, the builders labor in vain,” noting that political strategy alone cannot address Nigeria’s complex challenges.

The commissioning of the chapel marks a historic moment for the National Assembly, reinforcing the message that moral and spiritual guidance can play a role in governance.