I hesitated a lot to post this as I understand it will create a chain of reactions… But i can’t help it happened that I was pretty much not allowed to enter the Christian Center in Abuja before seeing the manager… and that’s a first for me. 😅🇳🇬 I walked through the gate of this massive church in Abuja and headed inside, just like I’ve done at uncountable churches all around the world. Apparently, that’s not how it works here… Fine I understand and respect procedures. But the way I was stopped was very hostile and I have never experienced people serving at a house of god frustratingly screaming at me. I was immediately stopped and told there was a procedure: report to the office, speak to the manager, have my details recorded and get permission before entering. And that’s completely fair. They explained that there are serious security concerns surrounding churches in Nigeria, so I understand why protocols exist, especially when a stranger walks in. But I told them straight away that I was a Catholic and that I just came to admire the church. It wasn’t enough… What disappointed me was simply the way it was communicated. The interaction became unnecessarily hostile, and at one point the instruction was basically: don’t let this guy inside! ❌ Then they made me sit in a reception waiting for the manager that never arrived! 🤷🏽♂️ It felt particularly strange because shortly before this I had visited the Abuja National Mosque. I walked in as a non-Muslim visitor and was warmly welcomed to look around and take photos and videos as much as I wanted. Thankfully, the first people I encountered at the National Christian Center in Abuja definitely didn’t represent everyone. Some other people eventually stepped in, welcomed me, explained everything calmly, had a chat with the guards and took me inside. 🙏 So yes, I eventually got to see the National Christian Center in Abuja. 🙏🏼 But after that welcome, when they asked if I wanted to pray, I told them truthfully that at that moment I didn’t really feel like it. An unfortunate start, but also just one experience with a couple people. And let me make this one VERY CLEAR: It certainly doesn’t change the incredibly warm welcome I’ve received from Nigerians throughout this trip. Love you Nigeria ❤️🇳🇬 #nigeria #abuja
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