Nigeria’s first lady, Remi Tinubu, preached on mercy and compassion as key virtues in a sermon at Lambeth Palace, the official residence of the Archbishop of Canterbury since the 13th century.
The message was delivered on Thursday, the second day of President Bola Tinubu’s state visit to the UK.
In the homily which lasted about six minutes, the first lady spoke about renewal and the need for fresh mercy each day.
She called for a more compassionate world at a time of global uncertainty, anchoring her message on scriptures.
Filming was not allowed inside the chapel.
After the first lady’s sermon, prayers were offered for Nigeria by the Anglican church.
Remi was later shown historic items and materials as it pertains to the global outreach of the Anglican Communion, including its long-standing ties with Nigeria.
At a reception, she engaged with representatives from the Church of England and faith-based charities where she disclosed she was born and raised as an Anglican.
The first lady was ordained pastor of the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), one of Nigeria’s largest Pentecostal denominations, in 2018.
Church leaders also highlighted unity and the role of faith voices in governance and social issues.
Located on the south bank of the River Thames, directly opposite Westminster palace, Lambeth Palace hosts offices, a ceremonial space, grand halls, chapels, and extensive libraries.
While it has hosted countless dignitaries, heads of states, and cultural figures over the centuries, no Nigerian official is known to have preached there.
