The day ahead promises a fluid series of events, requiring adaptability more than rigid scheduling.
Before leaving, you carefully select your attire. For the gathering in Ikeja, a blue fìlà is the appropriate headpiece, while the Medical Society’s meeting at Ajele, happening simultaneously at 10 a.m. across town, calls for a green cap. Your flowing white agbada complements both occasions effortlessly.
At the Chapel of Christ the Light in Alausa, the Association of Lagos State Retired Heads of Service and Permanent Secretaries (ALARHOSPS) holds a Thanksgiving Service, marking the conclusion of their week-long celebrations and outreach programs.
Taking a seat near the front, you are immediately captivated by the chapel’s simple yet dignified atmosphere and peaceful environment.
Surrounded by esteemed veterans of Lagos’s Civil Service-some who served during the era of Alhaji Jakande-you feel a profound respect. These retirees often recount tales of the various military and civilian governors under whom they worked, highlighting their unique leadership styles. Much of the Lagos we know today is shaped by their vision and commitment. Over time, the bond among these former civil servants has grown stronger, whether during their annual meetings, interfaith thanksgiving services, or biennial birthday celebrations where even the most reserved members join in spirited music and dance.
The service is rich with sincere worship and praise. Simultaneously, the Light Family Fellowship celebrates its 15th anniversary within the same event.
Your gaze frequently shifts to the clock. By noon, you plan to leave promptly for St Peter’s Church, Faji, to attend the 37th anniversary of the Medical Society of the Anglican Diocese of Lagos, an organization you proudly belong to.
“Following the sermon and altar thanksgiving, you quietly slip out through a side door into the bright afternoon, beginning your journey toward the Island. It’s nearly one o’clock.”
Your GPS recommends a shortcut via Adeniji Adele and Anikantamo. Despite the apparent disorder, you decide to trust the directions. After crossing the Third Mainland Bridge, you navigate a maze of narrow, often flooded streets-conditions seemingly overlooked by the navigation app. As someone who chronicles the legend of PELEWURA, the famed female warrior who once roamed these neighborhoods, you realize your familiarity with these alleys is more poetic than practical, given the dense, aging inner-city population still residing there.
Eventually, you reach Omididun, continue along Campbell Street, and then turn onto Ajele Street.
Wearing your green cap, you hurry inside, ready to apologize for your tardiness.
St Peter’s Church, Faji, holds a significant place in history as a pioneering Yoruba Anglican church-arguably the first purpose-built church in Nigeria designed to serve the general public. Its roots trace back to 1852 when James White, a native catechist from Badagry, delivered the first Christian sermon in Lagos, supported by missionaries Rev Charles Gollmer and Rev Ajayi Crowther. Gollmer initially lived in a tent at Ebute Ero with Patrick White before founding the Breadfruit Mission and later building the main mission house at Ehin Igbeti, now the site of the Cathedral. To boost evangelism in the densely populated Oko Faji area, the church’s foundation stone was laid in 1853, with relocation to its current Ajele Street site in 1860.
You realize your delay was unnecessary-they operate on their own relaxed timetable here, you think, settling into a pew with a smile.
The service continues without interruption.
Soon, you join fellow Medical Society members at the altar for rededication and prayers. The vicar, a familiar face, greets you warmly.
Afterward, the congregation moves to the back of the church, dancing joyfully in celebration.
The entire assembly soon joins in, filling the space with lively song and movement.
After all, this was the first Yoruba church, you remind yourself, soaking in the vibrant atmosphere.
At the reception upstairs, conversations center on the urgent need for accessible healthcare within the wider community.
Remarkably, this church established Lagos’s first church clinic 47 years ago. Inspired by this groundbreaking initiative, a Medical Commission was formed for the entire Diocese twelve years later. Today, healthcare services extend beyond parishioners to people of all faiths in the area.
An announcement highlights the upcoming Centenary City project in Ibeju-Lekki, which will feature a hospital and a rehabilitation center for substance abuse, underscoring the Anglican Church’s commitment to social welfare.
Religious organizations have often been criticized for their limited role in addressing Nigeria’s pressing challenges. Efforts in healthcare and community support have sometimes been superficial. Moreover, the erosion of core values-fueling corruption and unreliability-remains a significant, unresolved concern for many faith groups.
The reception offers delicious Isàlè-Èkó cuisine, providing an authentic taste of local culture.
As speeches continue, you quietly take your leave.
One final appointment awaits-a house visit to a patient on Victoria Island. This time, no ceremonial cap, and the agbada is replaced with professional attire.
It has been a memorable Sunday, filled with meaningful interactions and heartfelt connections.