The groundbreaking ceremony of the Ecumenical Airport Chapel and Pilgrim Center at Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, drew an array of top Christian leaders, government officials, and traditional rulers.
Held under the auspices of the *Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN)*, the event marked a historic milestone — the first ecumenical, interdenominational chapel and pilgrim center at a Nigerian airport, strategically located to serve the spiritual needs of travelers and pilgrims.
Former Head of State, *General Yakubu Gowon (rtd)*, took the only Bible reading at the ceremony. The Chief Host was the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, His Excellency Senator George Akume.
L- R: Director Media and Public Relations Nigerian Christian Pilgrim Commission, Mr Celestine Toruka, Director of Administration NCPC, Mr Abu Okpanachi, Director of Operations NCPC, Mr Sunday Udeh, Hon Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Chief Festus Keyamo, the Head of Protocol and PA to the Executive Secretary of NCPC, Pst Stephen Adewara, the Director Planning Research and Programme Development NCPC, Mr Nkaiso Edemenang during the ground breaking ceremony for the Ecumenical Airport Chapel and Pilgrim Centre at the Nnamdi Azikiwe international Airport, Abuja on Saturday.
Other dignitaries in attendance included Senate President Godswill Akpabio, represented by Senator Rev. Binos Yaroe of Adamawa South Senatorial District; Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Chief Festus Keyamo, who was instrumental in securing the land at the airport; Former Minister of Women Affairs, Dame Pauline Tallen; Former SGF and CAN 50th Anniversary Committee Co-Chairman, Boss Mustapha; CAN President, His Eminence Most Rev. Dr. Daniel Okoh, who hosted the event; and Methodist Archbishop of Abuja, His Grace Most Rev. Dr. Michael Akinwale, who gave the exhortation.
The Executive Secretary of the Nigerian Christian Pilgrim Commission, Bishop Prof. Stephen Adegbite was represented by his top management team.
Royal fathers were led by the *Olubadan of Ibadan, His Royal Majesty Oba Rasheed Ladoja*.
The Ecumenical Airport Chapel and Pilgrim Center is scheduled for completion in *October 2026* to commemorate the *50th anniversary of the Christian Association of Nigeria*.
