Oguntade Ismaila
In a symbolic gesture that is already stirring conversations across religious lines, the Founder and Spiritual Head of INRI Evangelical Spiritual Church, Primate Elijah Babatunde Ayodele, has commissioned and handed over a newly constructed mosque to the Muslim community in Lagos state.
The mosque, built directly beside his church in Oke-Afa, Isolo, was unveiled on February 14, 2026, as part of activities marking his annual thanksgiving and birthday celebration.
The cleric said the project was conceived to promote unity, discipline, tolerance and peaceful coexistence between Christians and Muslims.
The commissioning was one of several activities lined up for the celebration, which also featured the launch of new urban radio stations and a large-scale empowerment programme targeted at vulnerable members of society.
Speaking at the event, Primate Ayodele described the mosque’s proximity to his church as intentional and symbolic.
“Jesus Christ did not preach religion; He preached love. Being a religious fanatic will not take anyone to heaven. Love and contribution to humanity are what matter most,” he said, urging Nigerians to rise above religious divisions.
The ceremony attracted dignitaries from various sectors, including traditional rulers, market leaders, political figures, and respected personalities from both Christian and Muslim communities.
As part of the empowerment initiative, beneficiaries received mini buses, cars, tricycles, freezers, working tools, television sets, mattresses, start-up capital for small businesses, educational support grants, and full scholarships for students. The distribution, which began earlier in the week, is scheduled to conclude on Sunday, February 15, 2026.
Explaining the vision behind the newly launched radio stations, the cleric noted that they were established to inform, educate and celebrate the people of Lagos, rather than serve as religious broadcasting platforms.
“I believe that when people are informed, the world becomes a better place. The station is to inform, educate and celebrate the people, especially widows and the underprivileged,” he said, adding that the stations would be managed by professionals.
He further called on governments at all levels and well-meaning Nigerians to initiate programmes that can alleviate poverty and improve the living standards of vulnerable citizens.
The celebration, which coincided with the commencement of Ramadan, drew large crowds and earned commendation from attendees who described the gesture as a bold statement of interfaith harmony and humanitarian commitment in Lagos.
– The Blueprint Newspaper
