Lagos CAN Names New Secretariat After Remi Tinubu: Unity, Legacy, and a Permanent Home

The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) Lagos State Chapter has reached a historic milestone with the commissioning of its first permanent secretariat, a structure now named the “Senator Oluremi Tinubu CAN Lagos State Secretariat.” This event, held in Alausa, Ikeja, resolves a nearly three-decade-long quest for a befitting administrative headquarters and symbolizes a new era of unity and institutional strength for Christians in Lagos. The naming honors Senator Oluremi Tinubu, the First Lady of Nigeria, recognizing her contributions and marking a significant moment of recognition for Christian leadership in Nigeria’s commercial hub.

Key Points at a Glance

• Historic Milestone: The Lagos State chapter of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) now has its first permanent secretariat after nearly 30 years.
• Naming Honor: The secretariat is named “Senator Oluremi Tinubu CAN Lagos State Secretariat” in honor of Nigeria’s First Lady.
• Symbol of Unity: Leaders present the edifice as a unifying symbol for all Christian denominations in Lagos State.
• Legacy Projects: This is part of a series of public projects named after the First Lady since the Tinubu administration began in 2023.
• Multi-Use Complex: The facility includes a main office block, a hall named after former CAN Chairman Bishop Stephen Adegbite, and other dedicated spaces.
• Dedication to Support: One floor of the complex is named after Dr. Oluwaseye Yomi-Sholoye in recognition of her pivotal financial support.
• Call to Stewardship: CAN leaders urge the Christian community to take ownership of the facility and ensure its maintenance.

Background: A 30-Year Journey to a Permanent Home

The Genesis of the Need

The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) is the umbrella body for all Christian denominations in Nigeria. Its Lagos State chapter, representing the vast and diverse Christian population in the nation’s economic capital, had operated for close to 30 years without a permanent, centralized administrative base. This period was marked by logistical challenges, dispersed operations, and a lack of a unified physical identity for Christian leadership in the state. The quest for a secretariat became a long-standing project, often hampered by funding constraints, land disputes, and the complex coordination required among numerous independent denominations.

The Tinubu Connection: A Pattern of Recognition

The decision to name the secretariat after Senator Oluremi Tinubu is not an isolated act. Since the inauguration of President Bola Tinubu in May 2023, several public institutions and projects have been named in honor of the First Lady. These include the Senator Oluremi Tinubu Renewed Hope Resettlement City in Keffi, Nasarawa State, the Senator Oluremi Tinubu Dream Centre at Obafemi Awolowo University, and the Oluremi Tinubu Leather Hub in Lagos. This pattern reflects a broader practice of naming significant public infrastructure after prominent national figures, often spouses of sitting heads of state, as a form of legacy-building and recognition of perceived contributions to national development.

Analysis: Significance and Implications of the Naming

1. A Triumph of Ecclesiastical Coordination

The completion of the secretariat is first and foremost a victory for inter-denominational cooperation within CAN Lagos. The Christian landscape in Lagos is incredibly diverse, encompassing Pentecostal, Orthodox, Anglican, Catholic, and indigenous churches, each with its own governance and priorities. Securing land, raising funds, and managing construction across such a spectrum required unprecedented levels of trust and shared vision. The leadership of the then CAN Chairman, Rt. Rev. S.T.V. Adegbite, under whose chairmanship the foundation was laid on February 17, 2024, was crucial in navigating these complexities. The building stands as a tangible testament to what can be achieved when disparate groups unite around a common institutional goal.

2. Political Recognition and Interfaith Dynamics

Naming the secretariat after the First Lady introduces a layer of political recognition. It signals a close relationship between the leadership of CAN Lagos and the presidency. For supporters, this represents a valuable bridge between the Christian community and the seat of power, potentially facilitating dialogue on issues affecting the community, such as security, religious freedom, and national development. Critics, however, might view it as an instance of political patronage or an attempt to curry favor with the ruling administration. The act inevitably places CAN Lagos within the sphere of Nigeria’s often intricate political dynamics, where religious bodies must carefully navigate their prophetic role and their need for governmental goodwill and support for projects.

3. Legacy Building and Honoring Financial Patronage

The dedication of an entire floor to Iya Aladura General Dr. Oluwaseye Yomi-Sholoye is a critical sub-narrative. It highlights that major religious infrastructure projects are rarely built on collective effort alone; they often depend on significant individual philanthropy. Dr. Yomi-Sholoye, a prominent cleric and leader of The New Seraph Evangelical Ministries, is credited with providing “important financial support.” Her recognition ensures that the narrative of the secretariat is not solely about political honor but also about acknowledging key financial stewardship within the Christian community. This dual honoring—of a political figure and a major donor—reflects the multifaceted nature of funding and legitimacy in large-scale religious projects.

4. Institutional Maturation and Administrative Strength

A permanent secretariat fundamentally changes the operational capacity of an organization. For CAN Lagos, it means:

• Centralized Operations: All state-level activities, meetings, and administrative functions can be coordinated from one location.
• Enhanced Visibility: A permanent, named structure in the government-seat of Alausa, Ikeja, provides a constant physical presence and address for Christian leadership.
• Symbolic Authority: As stated by Rt. Rev. Adegbite, it becomes a “symbol of unity and administrative strength.” It visually asserts that Lagos Christians have a consolidated voice and a stable headquarters.
• Asset for Future Generations: The building is an enduring asset, potentially generating rental income or serving as a hub for future Christian initiatives in the state.

Practical Advice: Lessons for Faith-Based Organizations

The journey of CAN Lagos offers valuable lessons for any religious or non-profit organization undertaking a major building project:

For Project Initiation and Fundraising

• Secure Unambiguous Land Title: The article references “years of dispute over the land.” This is the single biggest risk. Ensure absolute, litigation-free ownership before any investment.
• Diversify Funding Streams: Relying on a single major donor (like Dr. Yomi-Sholoye) is risky. Develop a transparent campaign involving member churches, wealthy individuals, and international partners.
• Create a Dedicated Building Committee: A focused, accountable committee with technical, financial, and spiritual oversight is essential.

For Managing Internal Diversity

• Inclusive Naming and Recognition: Honor multiple stakeholders—past leaders (Bishop Adegbite Hall), major donors (Yomi-Sholoye Floor), and supportive government figures (Sanwo-Olu Block). This distributes honor and reduces perceptions of favoritism.
• Define the “Why” Clearly: The core purpose must be a unifying vision: “a fit home for Christian investment” or “a symbol for all Christians.” This transcends individual denominational interests.

For Post-Commissioning Stewardship

• Establish a Maintenance Fund: As urged by leaders, a sinking fund for repairs, security, and utilities must be established from day one to prevent rapid deterioration.
• Create Usage Protocols: A clear, fair schedule for all denominations to use the hall and facilities prevents future conflicts.
• Integrate with Community: The secretariat should serve not just CAN leadership but also host community welfare programs, interfaith dialogues, and youth events to embed its value in the wider society.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What does CAN stand for?

CAN stands for the Christian Association of Nigeria. It is the principal umbrella organization for all Christian denominations in Nigeria, founded in 1976 to promote Christian unity, witness, and to engage with national issues.

Why was the Lagos CAN secretariat named after Remi Tinubu?

The official reason cited is to honor Senator Oluremi Tinubu, the First Lady, and to recognize her contributions. The naming also aligns with a trend of naming public infrastructure after prominent national figures. It is intended as a gesture of appreciation and a symbol of the relationship between the Christian community and the federal government.

Is there any controversy regarding the naming?

In the public domain, the primary discussion has centered on the long-awaited nature of the project itself and the honor bestowed on the First Lady. While some view it as a well-deserved recognition, others in the public sphere may interpret naming a religious building after a political figure as blurring the line between church and state. The CAN leadership, however, has presented it as a celebratory honor within the community’s discretion.

Who funded the construction of the secretariat?

Funding was a collaborative effort. It involved contributions from member churches, individual donors, and significant financial support from key patrons like Dr. Oluwaseye Yomi-Sholoye, whose contribution was honored with the naming of a floor. The project was executed under the leadership of the CAN Lagos State leadership at the time.

What is the significance of the “Immanuel” theme for the subsequent service?

The 2026 Annual Interdenominational Divine Service held after the commissioning was themed “Immanuel: God With Us” (Matthew 1:23). This biblical theme emphasizes God’s presence with His people, which leaders connected to the new secretariat as a sign of God’s faithfulness after 30 years. It also served as a call for Christians to remain steadfast amidst national challenges, framing the new building as a base for spiritual strength and service.

Conclusion: More Than a Building

The commissioning of the Senator Oluremi Tinubu CAN Lagos State Secretariat is far more than the opening of an office block. It is the culmination of a three-decade-long aspiration for institutional identity and administrative coherence for Lagos Christians. It represents a high-water mark of ecumenical cooperation in a diverse religious landscape. The choice to name it after the First Lady embeds this Christian milestone within the current political narrative, ensuring it carries both religious and national significance.

However, the true test of its legacy will be in its daily use. Will it become a vibrant hub for inter-denominational dialogue, community service, and spiritual leadership, as envisioned by Rt. Rev. Adegbite? Or will it risk becoming a symbolic trophy, underutilized and poorly maintained? The urging of leaders for members to “take ownership” is a direct acknowledgment that a building’s life depends on the people it serves. If the Christian community of Lagos embraces this secretariat as their collective asset—a “fit home” for their shared faith and work—then the structure will indeed lift the work of God to the next level, fulfilling the prophetic words of Dr. Yomi-Sholoye. It stands now, not just as Senator Tinubu’s namesake, but as a permanent challenge and opportunity for Lagos Christianity: to demonstrate the unity its construction required, in perpetuity.