By Johnson Adebowale
In the heart of Addo-Ajah, Lagos, joy rang through the air as The Lord’s Worshippers Assembly unveiled its crowning achievement: the dedication of a new ultra-modern worship centre, The Covenant Sanctuary. But beyond its gleaming architecture and multimillion-naira structure lies a deeper story, one of faith, transformation and a community revived by grace.
The Covenant Sanctuary, a stunning edifice adorned with contemporary designs and modern spiritual symbolism, was dedicated in a vibrant ceremony attended by leading clerics, industrialists and worshippers from across Nigeria. It was a celebration steeped in gratitude, worship and what many described as a divine testimony of resilience and purpose.
Presiding over the dedication was Rev. Dr. Mercy Ezekiel, General Overseer of the Christian Pentecostal Mission International (CPM), who praised the church’s leadership for their vision and perseverance.
“Looking at this structure, it’s one of the best places for members to worship,” she said, noting that the edifice symbolized how far faith could carry a people, even amid adversity.
Dr. Ezekiel also highlighted the importance of modernizing church architecture, stressing that vibrant, welcoming spaces can inspire a younger generation and foster deeper engagement with faith.
But the true soul of the event was not only found on the walls of the sanctuary, it pulsed through the message shared by Pastor Owen Nlekwuwa of Oliver Bible Church, who preached on the theme “Explosive grace.” Drawing from Hebrews 3:4, he described God as the ultimate builder, with believers called to be co-labourers in the divine blueprint.
“The mightiest builder of all things is God,” Nlekwuwa said. “When we honour our covenants, we align ourselves with His greater plan. This sanctuary is a product of that partnership—between heaven and earth, between God and His people.”
The dedication was more than a ceremonial milestone, it was a call to action. Nlekwuwa urged the congregation to see the church as both a spiritual and social engine designed to uplift, heal and unite communities.
For Rev. Calistus Anunobi Nkwo, the church’s General Overseer and lead pastor, the moment was a long-awaited dream come true. With visible emotion, he described the Covenant Sanctuary not merely as a building but as a beacon of hope.
He said: “This sanctuary stands as a symbol of excellence and commitment to God’s mission in this generation. It will serve not just as a place of worship, but as a hub for community transformation and spiritual renewal.”
His wife, Pastor Helen Nkwo, echoed this sentiment. She shared the church’s vision to reach broken individuals, especially youth dealing with addiction, family crises, and economic despair.
She said: “Our mission is to restore healing to the younger generation in Addo-Ajah. Many young people we’ve ministered to —former addicts— are now rehabilitated and actively involved in this project. Some even helped construct this sanctuary. Their transformation is nothing short of miraculous.”
The church’s outreach programme, known for providing skills training and mentorship, continues to be a lighthouse for many drifting in darkness. One highlight of the dedication week was a special dinner with rehabilitated addicts—once broken, now builders of hope.
Chairman of the planning committee, David Echegwusi, shared how the entire celebration, which began with Children’s Day festivities, reflected God’s grace. “The transformation we’ve witnessed is staggering. These young people, once lost, are now thriving. They’ve become part of something greater. It’s truly a work of explosive grace,” he said
As the sanctuary now opens its doors to the community, its impact is expected to ripple beyond Sunday services. With ongoing outreach programmes, discipleship initiatives, and empowerment schemes, The Lord’s Worshippers Assembly is not only building a church – it is rebuilding lives.