Abuja, Nigeria – March 2, 2026 – Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, has reminded lawmakers of the National Assembly that they remain ultimately accountable to God for their actions and decisions, regardless of political pressures or public opinion.
Speaking as the special guest of honour at the dedication and commissioning ceremony of the newly completed National Assembly Chapel in Abuja on Sunday, Senator Tinubu urged members—both Christians and Muslims—to discharge their legislative duties with the fear of God and unwavering commitment to righteousness.
The historic event, attended by Senate President Godswill Akpabio, Speaker of the House of Representatives Tajudeen Abbas, several principal officers, clergy from various denominations, and other dignitaries, marked the formal opening of the long-awaited worship centre within the National Assembly complex.
In her address, the First Lady reflected on her own experience as a legislator for 12 years (2007–2019), during which lawmakers had to hold weekly fellowships in committee rooms due to the absence of a dedicated chapel. She described the completion of the facility as deeply personal and spiritually fulfilling.
“This occasion is quite significant for me, not only as a Christian, but as a former legislator who only had weekly fellowship in one of the committee rooms,” Senator Tinubu said. “I was a legislator for 12 years, and to actually see this vision come to fruition gladdens my heart, and I thank God and give Him all the glory for making it possible.”
She emphasized the symbolic importance of the chapel in reminding lawmakers of their higher accountability. “This chapel stands as a testament that while we legislate for the people, we are ultimately accountable to God,” she declared. “All lawmakers, Christians and Muslims alike, would give account of their actions to God in the last days.”
Quoting 2 Chronicles 6:39 from the Bible—“then hear from heaven, your dwelling place. Forgive, and deal with everyone according to all they do, since they are your people”—the First Lady prayed that the new place of worship would inspire courage in decision-making, compassion in service, and collective dependence on God.
“As we dedicate this chapel today, may it inspire in the 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 Jesus name,” she added.
Senate President Godswill Akpabio, who also spoke at the event, described the chapel as a “milestone in the spiritual life of the National Assembly.” He thanked God for the completion of the project and acknowledged the contributions of past assemblies, particularly the 8th and 9th Senates, in sustaining the vision.
Speaker Tajudeen Abbas commended the First Lady for her consistent support and spiritual leadership, noting that the chapel would serve as a place of refuge, renewal, and divine guidance for lawmakers facing complex national challenges.
The National Assembly Chapel project, initiated several years ago, had faced delays due to funding constraints and administrative changes. Its completion has been welcomed by many faith-based groups as a positive step toward strengthening the moral and ethical foundation of governance.
The dedication ceremony featured prayers, hymns, Quranic recitations by Muslim lawmakers, and interfaith blessings, underscoring the multi-religious character of Nigeria’s legislature. Clergy from the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), the Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA), and other religious bodies participated in the service.
Senator Tinubu’s message aligns with her long-standing advocacy for moral leadership and spiritual values in public life. As a former senator representing Lagos Central and wife of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, she has frequently spoken on the intersection of faith, governance, and national development.
The event drew attention amid ongoing national debates on governance, accountability, and the role of faith in public institutions. Lawmakers present described the chapel as a reminder that legislative power must be exercised responsibly and with reverence for divine principles.
The National Assembly Chapel is expected to serve as a place for daily devotions, prayer sessions, interfaith dialogues, and spiritual retreats for legislators, staff, and visitors. It is seen as a symbol of Nigeria’s commitment to religious harmony and the integration of faith into national life.
As the country prepares for the 2027 general elections, the First Lady’s call for God-fearing leadership resonated with many attendees, who viewed it as a timely reminder of the higher accountability that transcends political office.
