Archbishop Kaigama Dedicates Corpus Christi Catholic Church at Nigerian Navy Base in Abuja

The Catholic Archbishop of Abuja, Most Rev. Ignatius Ayau Kaigama, has dedicated the Nigerian Navy’s Corpus Christi Catholic Church in Abuja, urging naval personnel to pair their professional training and military discipline with spiritual strength and integrity.

The church is located at the Nigerian Navy Headquarters in Asokoro, Abuja. The dedication ceremony also featured the administration of the Sacrament of Confirmation to 70 candidates.

In his homily, Kaigama stressed that weapons and professional competence alone cannot guarantee victory. “Your strength does not come solely from your training, discipline, weapons or professional competence.

All the weapons you have, including submarines and other equipment used in warfare, are important, but they cannot save you,” he said. He added that “a person can be physically strong and professionally accomplished yet spiritually weak”.

Kaigama commended the Nigerian Navy for promoting religious tolerance by providing worship facilities for Catholic, Protestant and Muslim personnel, describing the arrangement as an example of religious harmony within the Armed Forces.

He urged the Naval Chaplaincy to sustain its commitment to spiritual care, pastoral counselling, family support and interfaith understanding.

The Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Idi Abass, said the dedication reflected the Navy’s commitment to the holistic welfare of its officers, ratings and their families.

Represented by Rear Admiral Adedokun Siyanbade, the Director of Administration at Naval Headquarters, Abass said: “While military training prepares the body and mind for the demands of duty, faith strengthens the human spirit to confront adversity with courage, integrity and hope”.

Abass also acknowledged that plans for the church’s construction dated back to the tenure of former Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Dele Ezeoba, and commended the Acting Director of the Roman Catholic Chaplaincy Services, Very Rev. Fr. Navy Capt. Richmond Diala, for his contributions to the project.

The high point of the ceremony was the presentation of the church to Archbishop Kaigama by Rear Admiral Siyanbade on behalf of the Chief of Naval Staff.