Akpani Family Donates Modern Church, Adoration Chapel, Chaplain’s House To Augustine University

Ekohotblog reports that Augustine University Ilara, a renowned institution under the Catholic Archdiocese of Lagos, witnessed a historic occasion on Monday, December 16, 2024, as the Akpani family—Sir Walter Akpani, Dame Winifred Akpani, and their daughter, Catherine-Mary—officially presented a modern church building, an adoration chapel, and a chaplain’s residence to the university community.

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The church building, dedicated during a solemn Mass, is expected to serve as a central place of worship and spiritual renewal for the institution’s students, staff, and surrounding community.

The adoration chapel, an addition to the church, will provide a space for personal prayer and reflection, while the chaplain’s residence ensures the spiritual head of the university has a comfortable home.

The event was graced by prominent dignitaries, well-wishers, friends, and members of the university’s student community.

In a symbolic handover, the Archbishop of Lagos, Most Rev. Alfred Adewale Martins, received the keys to the church and chaplaincy house from the Akpani family.

In his homily, Archbishop Martins lauded the family’s immense generosity and longstanding commitment to supporting the Church and society.

“The Akpani family has shown us a shining example of faith and philanthropy. These structures will not only enrich the spiritual life of the Augustine University community but also stand as a testament to the power of generosity,” the Archbishop said.

He further urged other well-to-do individuals and families to emulate the Akpanis.

“I encourage others who are blessed with material resources to follow this example and invest in projects that nurture faith, education, and society as a whole,” he added.

Sir Walter Akpani, speaking on behalf of his family, expressed gratitude for the opportunity to contribute to the Church and the university.

“Our family sees this as a calling to give back to the Church that has been a source of strength to us. We believe that investing in the spiritual growth of students will positively impact society for generations to come,” he said.

Dame Winifred Akpani also highlighted the family’s belief in supporting education and spiritual development.

“We hope this church and the adoration chapel will be a place where lives are transformed and faith deepened,” she stated.

The university community, represented by a senior official, expressed profound appreciation for the Akpani family’s donation.

“This gift will strengthen the spiritual foundation of our institution, and we are incredibly grateful for the Akpanis’ kindness and vision,” he noted.

Students at the event echoed similar sentiments of gratitude. Fabiana, a 300-level student, shared:

“Having a beautiful church and a space for adoration on campus is a blessing. It will encourage us to grow spiritually even in the midst of our studies.”

The event concluded with the blessing of the chaplain’s house and a prayer for the Akpani family, led by Archbishop Martins, who prayed that their generosity would be rewarded both in this life and the hereafter.

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