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A major highlight of the commissioning of the Lagos State Secretariat of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) on Saturday was the dedication of a floor of the new complex in honour of Iya Aladura General, Dr. Oluwaseye Yomi-Sholoye.
The prominent cleric and founder of The New Seraph Evangelical Ministries was recognised for her significant financial contribution to the project, with a section of the edifice permanently named after her.
The event marked the official unveiling of the secretariat located on Jobi Fele Way, Alausa, Ikeja, bringing to an end nearly three decades of operating without a befitting administrative headquarters.
The state-of-the-art facility, named the Senator Oluremi Tinubu CAN Lagos State Secretariat, was delivered under the chairmanship of His Lordship Rt. Rev. S.T.V. Adegbite.
The foundation of the building was laid on February 17, 2024, and completed within two years.
Speaking at the dedication, Yomi-Sholoye described the secretariat as a “fit home” for Christian leadership in Lagos State, noting that it would strengthen the association’s operations and enhance its mandate.
“For about three decades, CAN did not have a befitting secretariat,” she said. “Today, we have a beautiful structure that will lift the work of God to the next level. It is God’s doing.”
She described the project as a turning point for Christians in the state and commended the Lagos CAN Chairman for what she called visionary and purposeful leadership.
The secretariat was declared open by the National President of CAN, Daniel Okoh, who hailed the Lagos chapter for its resilience and urged members to sustain unity.
The event was attended by top government and religious leaders, including Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, represented at the ceremony. The Secretary to the State Government, Mrs. Bimbola Salu-Hundeyin, represented the First Lady of Nigeria, Oluremi Tinubu.
Also present were Senator Tokunbo Abiru; Chief of Staff to the Lagos State Governor, Mr. Tayo Ayinde; and other political office holders.
Prominent religious leaders at the event included the Catholic Archbishop of Lagos, Alfred Adewale Martins, and other Christian leaders across denominations.
The complex houses several structures named after notable personalities in recognition of their contributions.
The main office block is named after Governor Sanwo-Olu, while the hall and event centre is christened the Bishop Stephen Adegbite Hall and Event Centre. The CAN Chairman’s office bears the name of Senator Abiru.
The floor dedicated to Yomi-Sholoye stands as a permanent testament to her role in advancing the project.
In his remarks, Rt. Rev. Adegbite urged Christians to take collective ownership of the facility and ensure proper maintenance.
“This secretariat is a symbol of unity and administrative strength. It belongs to all Christians in Lagos State,” he said.
The First Lady, in her goodwill message delivered by her representative, described the completion of the project as the end of nearly 30 years of dispute over the land and the beginning of a new chapter for the Christian community in Lagos.
Following the commissioning, CAN Lagos held its 2026 Annual Interdenominational Divine Service themed “Immanuel: God With Us” (Matthew 1:23).
The service took place at The Apostolic Church Nigeria, Olorunda, Ketu, where Rev. Dr. Ezekiel Omidina urged Christians to remain steadfast despite economic and social challenges facing the country.
Special prayers were offered for peace, unity and prosperity in Nigeria and Lagos State.
The unveiling of the secretariat is widely regarded as one of the most significant milestones in the history of CAN Lagos State, symbolising renewed unity, stability and administrative capacity after nearly three decades without a permanent home.
