Nigerian pastor to commission mosque he built as part of annual 21-day thanksgiving programme

Pastor Elijah Ayodele concludes plans to commission a mosque as part of his annual 21-day thanksgiving, emphasizing divine instruction and religious tolerance

Primate Elijah Ayodele, leader of the INRI Evangelical Spiritual Church, has concluded plans to commission a mosque he built, as part of his annual 21-day thanksgiving programme.

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The event is scheduled for Saturday, February 14, 2026, and will form part of activities marking the programme, which began in January and ends on Sunday, February 15.

Speaking on the project, Ayodele explained that the construction of the mosque followed a divine instruction and was not connected to any desire to change his Christian faith.

He said the mosque would be handed over entirely to the Islamic community, with no interference in its administration.

“My decision to build a mosque is not because I want to become a Muslim, but a direct representation of what God told me to do. I have Muslims attending my church, I attend Muslim programmes to preach when I am called upon, and I have several Muslim friends,” he said.

The cleric said the mosque carries a broader message of religious tolerance and peaceful coexistence.

“Divisions rooted in religion often fuel conflict, and mutual respect can help build a more harmonious society. God created everyone equally; we should not celebrate things that further divide us,” Ayodele added.

The mosque will also bear a special dedication, named after the late mother of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, and its operations will be fully managed by the Islamic community.

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Primate Ayodele’s initiative reflects his longstanding interactions with members of the Islamic faith, as his church has welcomed Muslim worshippers and he has been invited to speak at Islamic gatherings.

David Okere