Retired Lieutenant General Theophilus Yakubu Danjuma has donated ₦250 million towards the expansion of the Adamawa State Government House Chapel in Yola and the construction of residential accommodation for its chaplain and deputy chaplain.
The donation was announced on Saturday, November 7, 2026, during the chapel’s 20th anniversary celebration, where prominent political leaders, government officials and religious figures gathered to commemorate two decades of its establishment.
Danjuma, a former Minister of Defence and former Chief of Defence Staff, was represented at the occasion by retired Major General Ishaya Bamaiyi, who announced the financial commitment on his behalf.
The contribution is expected to support the expansion of the worship facility and the completion of accommodation for the chapel’s religious leaders.
The donation comes as the chapel pursues a ₦500 million fundraising target to expand its facilities and complete the chaplaincy building, which reportedly began construction about two years ago.
Chairman of the anniversary planning committee, David Garnvwa, had earlier disclosed that the existing chapel accommodates between 250 and 300 worshippers, making expansion necessary to meet the needs of its growing congregation.
The anniversary, celebrated under the theme, “Thus Far Has the Lord Helped Us,” drawn from 1 Samuel 7:12, featured activities aimed at reflecting on the chapel’s history, religious significance and contribution to Christian fellowship within the state’s seat of government.
Danjuma commended the founders and successive leaders of the chapel for their commitment to sustaining the institution over the past two decades.
Beyond the donation, the former defence minister also made political remarks concerning the 2027 general election, urging Nigerians to support President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s re-election bid rather than that of former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar.
According to reports from the event, Danjuma argued that the Tinubu administration had given Christians opportunities to occupy key government positions despite the controversy surrounding the Muslim-Muslim presidential ticket.
He also encouraged Nigerians to participate in the electoral process, protect their votes and ensure that their choices count.
The anniversary also featured a goodwill message from First Lady Senator Oluremi Tinubu, who was represented by Adamawa State Deputy Governor, Professor Kaletapwa Farauta.
The First Lady urged young people, particularly Christian youths, to reject political thuggery and refuse to be used by politicians for personal interests. She called for peaceful participation, tolerance and responsible conduct ahead of the 2027 elections.
Governor Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri, whose message was also delivered by Farauta, urged the chapel to maintain its interdenominational character and remain a unifying platform for Christians across different denominations.
Fintiri stressed that the chapel should not be identified with any particular Christian denomination, but should continue to promote fellowship, unity and peaceful coexistence.
He also cautioned young people against allowing themselves to be recruited into political violence, declaring that the coming election should be treated as a democratic exercise rather than a battle.
Former Adamawa State Governor Boni Haruna, who was associated with the establishment of the chapel, recalled that the original architectural design of the Government House complex provided for both a mosque and a Christian chapel.
He explained that the chapel was established in 2005 to fulfil the original vision of the Government House complex and promote religious inclusion within the seat of government.
Haruna expressed hope that the facility would continue to serve as a symbol of fairness, religious tolerance and peaceful coexistence among residents of the state.
Chairman of the chapel’s Board of Trustees and former Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Boss Mustapha, described the anniversary as a celebration of faith, perseverance, unity and commitment to religious service.
Mustapha urged the chapel’s leadership to preserve its ecumenical identity while respecting Nigeria’s religious diversity and constitutional freedoms.
Other dignitaries who attended the celebration included former Adamawa governors Boni Haruna and Bala Ngilari, Senator Amos Yohana and Dr Edgar Amos, among others. The event also featured the presentation of recognition awards to individuals who contributed to the establishment and development of the chapel.
Established during the administration of former Governor Boni Haruna, the Government House Chapel has served as a place of worship for Christians working within the Government House and other government offices, while providing a platform for fellowship across denominations.
Danjuma’s ₦250 million contribution represents a major boost to the chapel’s expansion campaign and its plans to improve facilities for worshippers and its religious leadership.
As the institution marks 20 years, its anniversary has renewed attention on the importance of religious inclusion, peaceful coexistence and responsible leadership in Adamawa State and Nigeria.
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