By Talatu Maiwada, NAN Yola
The Government House Chapel, Yola, says it is targeting N500 million to fund its expansion and complete the construction of accommodation for its chaplain and deputy.
Mr David Garnvwa, Chairman of the Anniversary Planning Committee, disclosed this on Thursday in Yola while briefing journalists on activities marking the chapel’s 20th anniversary.
Garnvwa said the chapel would mark the anniversary with a three-day celebration from Nov. 6 to Nov. 8, with the theme: “Thus Far Has the Lord Helped us; 1Samuel 7:12”.
He said the anniversary would feature a fundraising exercise targeting N500 million to support the expansion of the chapel and completion of the chaplaincy building.
“The chapel currently accommodates between 250 and 300 worshippers, making expansion necessary to cater for its growing membership.
“We also need to complete the chaplaincy building, which was started about two years ago but has yet to be completed,” he said.
Garnvwa appealed to individuals, organisations and Christian communities to support the projects to improve the chapel’s facilities and worship environment.
He said the anniversary would also recognise the chapel’s founders, past chaplains and other individuals who contributed to its establishment and growth.
He said the programme was designed to strengthen Christian leadership, promote unity and deepen understanding of leaders’ responsibilities in advancing the church and society.
According to him, activities would begin with a leadership training programme for Christian leaders.
Garnvwa said the training would feature Archbishop Andrew Philips, Bishop of the Lutheran Church of Nigeria Diocese, among other Christian leaders.
He added that the keynote address would be delivered by Rev. Amos Kiri, President of the Hausa Christian Association of Nigeria (HACAN).
Garnvwa said the celebration would end with a thanksgiving service to appreciate God for sustaining the chapel over the past 20 years.
The Chaplain, Pastor Bernard Kaigama, said the chapel was established in 2006 following efforts by the Christian community, led by the then Adamawa Chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Rev. Wilson Sabia.
He said the vision was eventually actualised by former Gov. Boni Haruna to provide Christians with a place of worship at the seat of government.
Kaigama said the chapel had remained a unifying platform for Christians across different denominations and political affiliations.
He added that the celebration would feature a leadership summit, grand anniversary ceremony and thanksgiving service.
According to him, the anniversary would also celebrate Adamawa’s cultural diversity, with participants expected to attend in their traditional attire.
He said Christians and Muslims had been invited to participate in the celebration. (NAN)