Dryneg Obasanjo succeeded in convincing Otedola to donate ₦300 million for the construction of the National Ecumenical Centre - Otedola's account.
In late 2005, a warm and informal breakfast meeting at former President Olusegun Obasanjo's farm in Ota, Ogun State, marked a significant turning point for a stalled interdenominational church project in Abuja—the National Ecumenical Centre, also known as the National Christian Centre.
During the meeting, Obasanjo, known for his charisma and jovial nature, shared food with businessman Femi Otedola. Impressed by the friendly atmosphere, Otedola listened as Obasanjo highlighted the abandoned church project and appealed for his financial help to complete it without using government funds.
Obasanjo emphasised Otedola's financial capability and requested a donation of ₦300 million. When Otedola inquired about the exact amount needed, Obasanjo suggested it as a "small donation" to get things moving. Moved by the cause, Otedola agreed to the donation.
Two days later, Otedola delivered a bank draft for the entire ₦300 million to Obasanjo's Abuja office. The donation was a significant contribution to the completion of a major religious project in Nigeria.
Initially, Otedola preferred to remain anonymous, but Obasanjo insisted on the publicity of the donation to inspire other wealthy Nigerians to contribute. The presentation of the donation was broadcast on national television by the Nigerian Television Authority (NTA).
The donation played a significant role in the completion of the National Ecumenical Centre, which was initially conceived as a national Christian monument comparable to the National Mosque. After years of abandonment due to lack of funds, the centre was finally completed, standing as a testament to Otedola's generosity and Obasanjo's determination.
Obasanjo's discovery of the abandoned National Christian Centre on his way to the airport and his pledge to see it completed without government funds further underlined his commitment to the project. The completion of the National Ecumenical Centre not only fulfilled a religious need but also served as a symbol of unity and progress in Nigeria.
- Femi Otedola's donation of ₦300 million to complete the National Ecumenical Centre, initially a stalled interdenominational church project in Abuja, was made public by Obasanjo to inspire other wealthy Nigerians to contribute.
- The donation, backed by Otedola's anonymous wish, was eventually revealed to the public, making news headlines across various Nigerian media outlets, including politics and general news.
- In the heart of Abuja, the National Ecumenical Centre, a significant religious structure, finally stood completed, reflecting the financial support of Nigerian tycoons like Femi Otedola and President Olusegun Obasanjo's determination.
- Nigeria's religious landscape underwent a transformation, with the completed National Ecumenical Centre and the National Mosque standing symbolically side by side, a testament to the harmonious blend of religious diversity and political determination within the country.
