In a remarkable display of interfaith harmony that is currently capturing the attention of many Nigerians, Primate Elijah Babatunde Ayodele has officially handed over a newly built mosque to the Muslim community in Lagos. The cleric, who serves as the Founder and Spiritual Head of INRI Evangelical Spiritual Church, unveiled the project on February 14, 2026, as a centerpiece of his annual thanksgiving and birthday festivities.
The location of the mosque is particularly significant, as it sits directly beside his church in the Oke-Afa area of Isolo. Primate Ayodele explained that the decision to build the mosque was a deliberate move to foster unity and religious tolerance. He noted that the gesture serves as a reminder that love for humanity should always come before the divisions of religious labels.
During the commissioning, which was attended by a diverse group of traditional rulers, political figures, and leaders from both faiths, the Primate emphasized that religious fanaticism holds no value if it lacks compassion. He reminded the gathering that the core of spiritual life should be contribution to the well-being of others, rather than fighting over differences in worship.
Beyond the religious gesture, the celebration also featured a massive empowerment drive aimed at lifting vulnerable citizens out of poverty. Hundreds of beneficiaries walked away with tools and assets to start their own businesses, including mini buses, cars, tricycles, and sewing machines. Students were also granted full scholarships and educational support, while widows and small-scale traders received start-up capital to help them navigate the current economic climate.
The week-long event also saw the launch of new urban radio stations, which the cleric clarified were not created for religious preaching but for the benefit of the general public. These stations are designed to be professionally managed platforms that inform, educate, and celebrate the people of Lagos, with a special focus on giving a voice to the underprivileged.
The timing of the event, which aligned with the start of the holy month of Ramadan, added an extra layer of significance to the proceedings. Many attendees who spoke at the venue praised the initiative as a bold and necessary step toward ending religious tension in the country. They noted that such humanitarian efforts set a high standard for how religious leaders can play a practical role in improving the lives of ordinary citizens.
