Retired Nigerian Army General and former Minister of Defence, Theophilus Yakubu Danjuma, has donated ₦250 million towards the expansion of the Adamawa State Government House Chapel in Yola and the construction of residential accommodation for its chaplain and deputy chaplain.
The donation was announced on Saturday, November 7, 2026, during the chapel’s 20th anniversary celebration, which attracted prominent political leaders, religious figures and government officials.
Danjuma, who was represented at the event by retired General Ishaya Bamaiyi, commended the founders and leadership of the chapel for their dedication to promoting Christian worship, religious unity and moral values within the state’s seat of government.
The former defence minister praised the vision behind the establishment of the chapel and acknowledged the contributions of individuals who had sustained its development over the past two decades.
₦250m Donation to Support Chapel Expansion and Housing Projects
The financial contribution is expected to support the expansion of the existing worship facility and the provision of residential accommodation for the chapel’s chaplain and deputy chaplain.
The chapel’s leadership had earlier disclosed plans to raise ₦500 million to expand the facility and complete its chaplaincy accommodation project.
According to the anniversary planning committee, the existing chapel accommodates approximately 250 to 300 worshippers, creating the need for additional space to serve its growing congregation.
The proposed development is intended to improve worship facilities and provide suitable accommodation for the religious leaders responsible for the chapel’s day-to-day activities.
Danjuma’s donation represents a significant contribution towards the fundraising target.
Oluremi Tinubu Warns Youths Against Political Violence
Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, also used the anniversary celebration to appeal to young Nigerians to reject political violence and other activities capable of undermining the country’s democratic process ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Represented by Adamawa State Deputy Governor, Professor Kaletapwa Farauta, the First Lady urged young people, particularly Christian youths, not to allow themselves to be manipulated by politicians seeking personal advantage.
She encouraged peaceful political participation, tolerance and respect for democratic values.
The First Lady also described the chapel’s anniversary as an opportunity to reflect on the importance of peaceful coexistence and national unity.
Governor Fintiri Calls for Religious Unity
Adamawa State Governor, Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri, called on the leadership of the Government House Chapel to maintain its identity as an interdenominational Christian worship centre.
The governor, whose message was also delivered by Deputy Governor Farauta, stressed that the chapel should remain open to Christians from different denominations rather than becoming associated with any particular church.
He encouraged the congregation to continue promoting unity, spiritual development and peaceful coexistence among residents of Adamawa State.
Fintiri further urged young people to participate peacefully in the forthcoming elections and avoid being recruited for political violence.
Boni Haruna Explains History of Adamawa Government House Chapel
Former Adamawa State Governor Boni Haruna recalled that the original architectural design of the Government House complex provided for both a mosque and a Christian chapel.
According to him, the establishment of the chapel was part of efforts to promote religious inclusiveness and ensure that Christians working within the Government House had a designated place of worship.
Haruna explained that the initiative reflected the principles of fairness, tolerance and equal recognition of religious communities.
He expressed hope that the chapel would continue to serve as a symbol of unity and mutual respect among residents, irrespective of their religious beliefs.
Boss Mustapha Commends Chapel’s 20-Year Journey
Former Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Boss Mustapha, described the anniversary as a celebration of faith, perseverance and commitment to religious service.
Mustapha, who chairs the chapel’s Board of Trustees, praised the founders and successive leaders for sustaining the institution over the years.
He urged the chapel’s leadership to preserve its interdenominational character while respecting Nigeria’s religious diversity and constitutional freedoms.
The former SGF also emphasised the importance of integrity, humility and moral responsibility in public leadership.
Danjuma Declares Support for Tinubu’s Re-election
Beyond his financial contribution, Danjuma also expressed support for President Bola Tinubu’s re-election bid ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Speaking through his representative, the former defence minister urged residents of Adamawa State to support Tinubu rather than former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar.
He cited what he described as the Tinubu administration’s recognition of Christians in key government appointments as one of the reasons for his position.
The political remarks formed part of the wider discussions at the anniversary celebration.
Adamawa Government House Chapel Celebrates Two Decades
The anniversary celebration featured the presentation of awards to individuals who contributed to the establishment and development of the chapel.
Those recognised included First Lady Oluremi Tinubu, Governor Fintiri, founding members and former chaplains.
Other prominent personalities, including former governors Boni Haruna and Bala Ngilari, Senator Amos Yohana and Dr Edgar Amos, also made financial contributions.
The celebration highlighted the chapel’s two decades of religious activities and its role in bringing together Christian public servants and worshippers from different denominations.
With Danjuma’s ₦250 million donation, the chapel has received a major boost towards its expansion and accommodation projects.
