The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has commenced the construction of a temple in Lagos. The event, held on Saturday at Rumens Street and Bourdillon Road in Ikoyi, was graced by Elder Alfred Kyungu, General Authority Seventy and President of the Church’s Africa West Area, who highlighted the temple’s profound spiritual importance.
Elder Kyungu explained that unlike the Church’s numerous chapels around the world that are open to the public for regular Sunday services and gospel instruction, temples hold a distinct and sacred role in the lives of faithful members. He said temples are not merely places of gathering but the House of the Lord, reserved for making solemn covenants and performing sacred ordinances. While chapels serve as community worship centers, temples are dedicated spaces where individuals draw closer to God through sacred rites.
He emphasized that the Lagos temple, once completed, would not only be a symbol of spiritual devotion but also a beacon of moral transformation. As members visit the temple and commit themselves to righteous living, they develop greater compassion, integrity, and a sense of responsibility. These are the traits that shape stronger communities and contribute to the betterment of the nation, he added.
The project is expected to be completed within two years. Following its construction, the Church will open its doors to the public for several weeks during a special open house event. This will allow visitors from all walks of life to tour the temple, ask questions, and experience the sacred ambiance before the building is formally dedicated. Everyone including friends, neighbours, and members of other faiths will be welcome to explore and feel the spirit that fills the temple, Elder Kyungu assured.
During his remarks, Elder Kyungu reiterated a message frequently emphasized by the Church’s global leader, President Russell M. Nelson. He spoke of the blessings associated with temple worship, including greater inner peace, enhanced spiritual insight, and a more intimate relationship with Jesus Christ. The temple offers an opportunity for personal revelation and strength. As the Lagos temple takes shape, it symbolizes more than just a physical structure. It represents an invitation to experience spiritual renewal and a deeper connection to God, he said.
He further noted that the new temple will serve not only the members within Lagos State but also believers across Nigeria and the wider West African region. According to Elder Kyungu, the Lord’s intention in establishing temples is to bring His presence closer to His people. When people go to the temple, they are aligning their lives with divine purpose. They are learning to live according to the Lord’s commandments, becoming better individuals who are more devoted, more loving, and more faithful, he noted.
