Why Former Governor Yahaya Bello Will Forever Be Celebrated For Building An Admirable Christian Chapel In Lugard House.
By Aiyelabowo Adebanji Austin
One of the striking and impactful achievements recorded during the administration of
Former Governor Yahaya Bello was the Building of a Good Christian Chapel in Government House Lokoja.
Former Governor Yahaya Bello during his administration has Chief Executive of Kogi State inaugurated the first ever chapel built for Christians at ‘Lugard House’, the state’s seat of power after 28 years of the creation of the state. Bello who spoke at the inauguration of the edifice and maiden Christmas carol held at the chapel in Lokoja described the occasion as significant in the annal of the state.
Many critics and political opponents of Former Governor Yahaya Bello’s Administration have consistently agreed to celebrate and commends a Muslim Governor for such a giant strides efforts of fostering peace and unity among diverse religious bodies in the state.
Till dates a large numbers of FGYB political opponents and critics are still full of admiration for the uncommon and unpresidented initiative of the Former Governor in building an ultramodern fully equipped Christian Church within the lugard house, Kogi State seat of power.
It is on good records that Alhaji Yahaya Bello served as the Governor of Kogi State in Nigeria from January 2016 until January 2024. During his tenure, focused on various infrastructural developments and initiatives aimed at improving the welfare of citizens in Kogi State. However One notable project which has been a talk of the town and reference point of the Administration was the establishment of a Christian chapel within the Government House located in Lokoja, Kogi State.
Accordingly the construction of the chapel intended to provide a place of worship for Christians working within the government and those visiting the Government House remains a very popular and laudable achievement of the Former Governor.
This remarkable Initiative reflects the FGYB administration effort to promote religious inclusivity and support for Christian communities, acknowledging their significant presence in Kogi State. The Chapel has been and continues to serves as a spiritual haven where government officials and staff can engage in prayer and reflection, fostering a sense of community among Christians in governance.
The administration of Former Governor Yahaya Bello designed the chapel steaming from the influenced by both traditional Nigerian architectural styles and modern aesthetics, with the sole aim to create an inviting atmosphere conducive to worship. The construction process involved collaboration with architects, builders, and religious leaders aim at ensuring that it continued to met both functional needs and spiritual significance.
The Former Governor did not spare specific details about materials used nor architectural features which were extensively complied with, the Kogi State Government house chapel projects typically emphasize durability and beauty beyond the Comprehension of distractors and critics.
It reinforces the idea that government recognizes and respects diverse religious practices. Additionally, it provides a venue for interfaith dialogue and cooperation among different religious groups in Kogi State. The Government house chapel initiatives by former Governor Yahaya Bello is still considered by lots of political observers as a key instrument for fostering peace and harmony among various religions bodies in the state.
Former Governor Yahaya Bello would forever be appreciated for the initiative to build a Christian chapel at the Government House in Lokoja to represents a commitment to supporting religious diversity within governance structures. The Chapel is not only serving as a practical purposes but also symbolizes broader efforts for inclusivity and community building among Christians in Kogi State.
