May 12, 2025, 2:53pm MDT
Construction is beginning at the home of the Lord, Nigeria’s most populous nation.
On Saturday, May 10th, the ground broke to become the second home of the Lord, dedicated to Nigeria. This is one of seven temples under construction or announced in the country.
Elder Alfred Kyong, 70 Directorate-General and president of the Western African Region, presided over the groundbreaking ceremony at the Lagos Temple, dedicated the site and construction process.
Invitation-only events will be broadcast and are accessible online. The groundbreaking information was published on Monday, May 12th in a news release on the Church’s African newsroom.
Elder Kyong explained the difference between meeting halls and temples in his remarks. He pointed out that the temple was built throughout the Bible and that it was a blessing to have a temple again in the Lord’s restored church.
“I testify that Jesus is Christ and that the temple is the house of the Lord,” he told those present. “It’s a place that deepens our personal commitment to following Jesus Christ.”
In his dedicated prayers on the site, Elder Kyong expressed his gratitude for the sacrifice of the Savior’s a-attitude, restoration of the Gospel, temple ordinances, priesthood authority, and the ability to seal family and generations together.
“Dear Father, we ask you to bless and sanctify this site as we open this ground. We petition you that this place will be sacred and it will be protected.”
Also, groundbreakingly, there was Elder Christian Chigbundu, a region of 70 people. He explained that the reason for the church to build temples is to allow members to make covenants that bind them to Jesus Christ.
Ubaogecheester, a young woman from Yabastek in Lagos Nigeria, spoke about how to personally prepare herself for attending the Lord’s house. Patrons can prepare in a way like praying, repenting, and tolerance of others, she said, quoting Psalm 51:10: “God, I will make a clean heart, and I will renew the righteous spirit within me.”
“Words at the temple are sacred experiences,” Esther said. “It’s not just physically, it’s mentally, mentally, emotionally.”
President of the Lagos Nigeria Egbede Stake on Sunday, President Oedeji reflected on his experiences in attendance with Aba Nigeria Temple’s dedication as a young missionary. He also testified that blessings and God’s help come from making and maintaining covenants in the Lord’s house.
“For us to travel through this challenge of life,” he said.
Mercy Feihun of the Ayede Stake in Lagos-Nigeria witnessed the reality of temple blessings, including personal revelation, peace and the power to withstand trial.
“In the quiet of the temple, we gain perspective,” she said. “We remember who we are and who we are.”
About the Church in Nigeria
President Russell M. Nelson announced the temple on October 7, 2018, in Lagos, Nigeria. It was one of 12 temples presented at the conference.
Planned as a single-storey building of approximately 19,800 square feet, the structure is being built on a 2.7-acre site at the northwest intersection of Lumens Road and Bourdillon Road in the Ikoyi district of Lagos. Additionally, the site plans an arrival centre and patron housing.
This Lord’s House joins Avanigerian Temple, another country dedicated to 2005. The third Nigerian Temple, Benin City, will begin construction on May 24th in just two weeks.
The other four temples in Nigeria are Nigerian Temples (published in 2022), Calabar Nigerian Temple (2023), Abuja Nigerian Temple (2024), and Uyo Nigerian Temple (2025).
Nigeria is the most populous country in West Africa. More than 250,000 Latter-day Saints, consisting of 840 congregations, existed in Nigeria, and in 1978 the Church of Jesus Christ was first established.
