By Gloria Essien, Abuja
The wife of the Nigerian President, Oluremi Tinubu has officially commissioned the National Assembly Chapel, built by the National Assembly Christian Legislators Fellowship.
Speaking at the commissioning attended by distinguished national leaders. the First Lady said it gladdened her heart to witness the actualisation of the chapel.
“This occasion is quite significant for me, not only as a Christian but as a former legislator who only had the weekly fellowship in one of the committee rooms in the Senate building for twelve good years. To actually see this vision become a reality today fills my heart. And I thank God and give Him all the glory for making today possible,” Mrs Tinubu said.
She said that “the chapel stands as a testament that while lawmakers legislate for the people, they remain accountable to God.”
Basing her prayers on 2 Chronicles 6:39–40, she prayed that God would answer all prayers rendered in the chapel.
“As we dedicate this chapel today, may it inspire humility in leadership, courage in decision-making, and compassion in service. And may Nigeria continue to flourish as we collectively seek the face of God in worship and prayer in this chamber, in Jesus’ name,” she prayed.
The President of the Senate and Chairman of the National Assembly, Senator Godswill Akpabio, said he was delighted by the actualisation of the chapel.
He noted that before constitutions existed across the world, God established justice in the foundations of the earth.
“And unless the laws of men reflect the justice of God, they may command obedience, but they will never command reverence nor shape the destiny of humanity,” Senator Akpabio said.
He emphasised that lawmaking must be guided by conscience, saying “the chapel stands as a building where God will be honoured and glorified for the good of Nigeria.”
“And so today, as we dedicate this chapel, we believe that God Almighty’s presence will guide our deliberations as a National Assembly. He’ll strengthen our resolve, and He’ll sustain our nation in peace and prosperity,” Senator Akpabio said.
He urged Nigerians to continue praying for the country and commended all lawmakers and citizens who contributed to the realisation of the project.
The Senate President explained that the idea of the chapel was conceived during the Sixth Assembly and, due to steadfastness, has finally been commissioned.
The Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Mr Benjamin Okezie Kalu, said the newly built National Assembly Christian Chapel would serve as a space for prayers for national unity, intercession for peace across the federation, and moral courage during difficult decision-making.
Citing Psalm 127:1 “Unless the Lord builds the house, the builders labour in vain” the Deputy Speaker stressed that all legislative efforts risk becoming empty activity without divine guidance.
He acknowledged the vision of previous assemblies, the perseverance of the Christian Legislators Fellowship over past legislative terms, and the support of Senator Oluremi Tinubu in bringing the project to fruition.
Kalu prayed that the Assembly would be guided by wisdom and continue to experience leadership that fears God and serves the people.
“The commissioning of this chapel within the hallowed precincts of the National Assembly is a declaration that as we make laws for over 200 million Nigerians, we do not do so alone. We do so in the presence of the Almighty, under whose sovereign authority every human institution exists. The Christian Legislators Fellowship has long been a conscience within this legislature. In chambers where debate can become combative and politics consuming, the Fellowship has kept alive the reminder that we are first and foremost accountable to a higher calling.
“This chapel is the physical expression of that accountability. It is a place where a senator burdened by the weight of a difficult bill may kneel in prayer, where a representative wrestling with conscience may find clarity, and where the noise of politics gives way to the stillness of God. It is fitting that the 10th Assembly completes what faith conceived years ago. History will record that this generation, this legislature, and this administration did not abandon vision; we fulfilled it.
“We legislate, we debate, and we represent, but unless the Lord builds this nation, unless He guides our deliberations, unless He steadies our hands and purifies our motives, our efforts risk becoming mere activity without enduring impact. We must acknowledge with gratitude the visionaries of earlier Assemblies, the perseverance of the Christian Legislators Fellowship across the 7th, 8th, and 9th Assemblies, and the commitment of all who sacrificed to see this project completed.
“This chapel belongs to history, but more importantly, it belongs to the future. May it host prayers for national unity. May it carry intercession for peace in every state of our federation. And may it become a refuge for leaders burdened by responsibility and, most importantly, may it strengthen moral courage in moments when difficult decisions must be made. If this Assembly kneels well in prayer, Nigeria will stand strong in faith.
As we commission this first Christian Chapel within the National Assembly, we affirm that faith and public service are not in conflict. They are companions in the pursuit of justice, equity, and national progress. May this house be a house of prayer,” Kalu said.
The commissioning ceremony was attended by distinguished Nigerians from all walks of life.