VP Osinbajo’s Remarks At The Dedication Of All Saints Anglican Church In Wuse 2, Abuja

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REMARKS BY HIS EXCELLENCY, PROF. YEMI OSINBAJO, SAN, GCON, VICE PRESIDENT OF NIGERIA AT THE DEDICATION SERVICE OF THE NEW CHURCH AUDITORIUM OF THE ALL SAINTS ANGLICAN CHURCH WUSE ZONE 5 ON THE 12^TH OF SEPTEMBER, 2021

PROTOCOLS

It is a very special privilege to congratulate you on behalf of the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and the government of Nigeria on the dedication of this new Church auditorium of the All Saints Anglican Church, Wuse.

This is a historic parish, being the first parish of the Anglican Communion to be established in the Federal Capital Territory 35 years ago.

We are told that within three and half decades, it has birthed a new cathedral, several dioceses, and hundreds of other parishes. We are all extremely proud as we behold this breathtaking architectural achievement and a tasteful finishing of a state-of-art church auditorium.

We thank God for enabling its completion, because but for His provisions and His mercies, this would have been impossible. Indeed, unless the Lord builds a house, they​ labour in v​ain​,​ its builders.  But we are spiritual people, so we know that there is more here today; we know that this is not just about dedicating a majestic church auditorium, it is first about honoring God.

The building of a great edifice as a place of worship is an important statement to God that we will give our best to him as a testimony of our worship.

Second, every church that is built is an important vehicle for the spread of the gospel. Evangelism is crucial but there must be a place to disciple saints, to disciple those who are saved, which is why many agree that church planting is the most effective form of evangelism.

Third, every church is a lighthouse, a place that draws in men and women to be instructed in the truth that is able to deliver from fear, oppression, and eternal damnation. A place of joy and praise, a place of encouragement which is why the Psalmist said and exalted, “I was glad when they said unto me, let us go to the house of the Lord.”

So, we must continue to build churches, to build these places of worship knowing that everywhere we plant a church, we establish the light and power of the gospel and that this gospel of the love of Jesus Christ for all men and women is the answer to the darkness to pain and misery of our world.

So, I rejoice with you today not merely because you have built a church, but because of the benefits that must now accrue to you for building this church. By honoring God, the result is that God will honour you. From the time of David, David did not build a church, he thought about building a church and the Lord blessed his generations forever.

You have not only thought of building a church, but you have also built a church, so, the wonders and miracles of God will attend to you and your families forever more in the name of the Lord Jesus. By contributing to the propagation of the gospel, you qualify for eternal rewards.

But the dedication of the physical building called the church must only remind us that the real work of building the church is that of bringing up men and women in the knowledge and nurture of the Lord.

It is important also to live victorious lives here on earth and to show others the way, the truth, and the light. That task is more urgent now than ever before. The forces of evil and of hate are more vehement than ever. The battle between light and darkness is more intense than ever, but the Church will prevail. Indeed, as the Lord Himself assures us, “I will build my Church and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.”

Let me again on behalf of our government, congratulate the Primate of All Nigeria, and the Archbishop of the Abuja Diocese, and all members of the clergy who are present here of the Anglican Communion, and all members of this great church.

I pray, in the words of Solomon as he dedicated the great temple (2 Chronicles 6:40), “Now, my God, I pray, let your eyes be open, let your ears be attentive to the prayer that is made in this place”, in Jesus Mighty Name, Amen.

Thank you very much.