President Gordon B. Hinckley arrived in Nigeria on Friday, August 5, 2005. During his three day visit he inspected the Temple Complex buildings, was guest of honor at a huge cultural event and led four separate dedication sessions in the Temple. During all this time, he interacted with the members of the Chuch. These pictures and stories are from Elder and Sister Whisenant, Elder and Sister Armstrong, Elder and Sister Thompson and Brother Hugh McKee who were all involved in these wonderful events. We thank them for sharing their experiences.
The Prophet Arrives
Hours before the expected arrival time members in their best dress lined the street leading to the Temple Complex. |
The Temple Complex driveways were also lined with members ready to wave white handkerchiefs to greet the prophet. |
The excitement built as the helicopter came into view. |
It circled the site slowly, then landed at a nearby school yard. |
Soon the motorcade came slowly up the street and into the Temple Complex. |
President Hinckley waved to the people all along the route. |
At the Temple Annex Building, a choir of Primary children sang and waved to welcome their prophet. |
He responded, waving the bouquet of flowers that had been presented to him. |
On his agenda were a tour of the Temple and facilities accompanied by his security man and Doctor who traveled with him... |
...and a small press conference with Africa West Area President, Sheldon F. Child. |
The Cultural Event
Hundreds of members contributed to the Cultural Event
Since no suitable stadium was near the Temple site, the grassy hillside at the site was used for the cultural event. A large stage was constructed and the hillside was filled with rented chairs. Rental chairs are easy to find in West Africa due to the demand created by funerals.
Twelve thousand chairs were set up in preparation for the cultural event. |
Dancers from all over Nigeria rehearsed on the stage. Note the flags of West African countries in the background. |
The program included performances of local dances from many states. |
Members made the costumes, played the music and performed the dances. |
Most of those involved were youth. |
Primary children were involved in activities all day long. |
The seats were full and the crowd loved the show. |
This is a view of the crowd as seen from the stage with the Temple behind. What a beautiful memory for the youth who performed. |
Many media representatives covered the events. |
President Hinckley received a "talking drum" and wood carving as souvenirs. |
The Combined Primary Children and Missionary Choir
The Cornerstone Ceremony
In preparation for the cornerstone ceremony, the Area Presidency watches as Sister Okwandu, PA committee member, places an item in the time capsule box. |
On Sunday morning the box was in place behind the cornerstone which was ready for the final mortar to be applied. |
President Hinckley presided and directed the cornerstone ceremony. |
He also applied the first mortar. He commented that he has a lot of experience doing this! |
The Dedication
The events of the Temple dedication were all carefully planned. With so much happening in a short time and so many volunteers invloved, the need for experience was great. Several missionaries and employees from Accra were in Aba to help. The crowds were large as expected, but the four dedicatory sessions were completed without any problems, due to the efforts of many workers and the patience of many, many attendees.
(L to R) Michael Dodoo, Fleicia Quansah and Douglas Abanele from Accra brought Temple cleaning experience to teach the Aba Temple custodians how to care for the temple. |
Bryon and Christine Skelton (left) came from England for the dedication. They were pressed into service to help Elder and Sister Thompson who replaced them as Area Executive Secretaries 3 months ago. |
Members with recommends and tickets lined up to enter the Temple for one of the four sessions. |
There were also lines for the Stake Center where the sessions were broadcast using closed circuit TV. |
There were choirs inside the Temple for each session.
This choir provided hymns outside between sessions.
Families Attending the Temple
A Beautiful Nigerian Family On Monday the sacred work of sealing families started in the Temple. |
President and Sister Olukanni with children. They have raised 12 foster children and adopted one. |
Little Temple was back in Aba with his parents to be sealed.
He was born here a month earlier at the Open House.
The parents hadn't understood that the children must
present to be sealed to them. Temple is nursing so he
was with them, but his older brother Spirit was at home.
They will make one more trip to complete the eternal family.
The Obinna Family
The dedication of a Temple in Nigeria marks a milestone for the pioneer saints there. Among others, the Obinna family witnessed and celebrated the miracle of Church growth from the most humble beginnings. The son of the first missionary couple in Nigeria, Brother Ralph Mabey from Salt Lake City also attended the dedication. The Obinna family invited Brother and Sister Mabey to visit their home village. Elder and Sister Whisenant were also invited and provided some wonderful pictures.
Raymond, Elizabeth, Fedlia, Francis, Rita, Florence, Albert
Fidelia (third from left) is Anthony Obinna's widow.
Click this link to read about
the Obinna Family Pioneers
.
Fidelia Obinna | Ralph and Sylvia Mabey |
A sign points the way to the local Umuelem Ward building. |
At the Obinna family compound the Mabeys were warmly greeted as Brother Mabey's parents had been greeted 27 years earlier. |
In the home, a portrait of Anthony was shown to the guests. |
A young man was sent to get fresh coconuts for gifts. |
The compound still has a room titled "Missionary Home." |
"Nigeria Latter Day Saints" is written over another room. |
Anthony Obinna's Tomb |
The Obinnas took the Mabeys and Whisenants to the river where the first baptisms in West Africa took place. |
These Obinna children are third and fourth generation
since the family embraced the gospel. And now they have
a temple!
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