Andrea Riccardi and Archbishop Ignatius Kaigama cut the ribbon on a national community house in Sabo Lugbe, Abuja — a centre for communities across more than 12 states of Nigeria, dedicated to the memory of the Blessed Congolese martyr.
On 14 February 2026, the Community of Sant'Egidio inaugurated its new national house in Abuja, the capital of Nigeria. The ribbon was cut by Andrea Riccardi, founder of the Community, and the house was blessed by Monsignor Ignatius Kaigama, Archbishop of Abuja.
The new house — a large two-storey building with a spacious, bright hall — is located in the Sabo Lugbe neighbourhood and will serve as a national centre for the communities scattered across more than 12 states of the Nigerian federation. It is dedicated to Blessed Floribert Bwana Chui, a son of Africa and of Sant'Egidio, murdered in 2007 in Kivu, DR Congo, and beatified in Rome on 15 June 2025.
A Home for 25 Years of Presence
The inauguration marked a significant milestone: 25 years since Sant'Egidio first took root in Nigeria. The ceremony was attended by numerous delegations from communities across the country, alongside friends, representatives of the Church, and government institutions.
"Be prophetic. Become agents of change in this country." — Andrea Riccardi, addressing community leaders and delegates at the inauguration.
Later in the day, Andrea Riccardi held a deep and engaging conversation with the leaders and delegates of the various communities in Nigeria, discussing paths forward and renewed commitment to the poor and to peace across the country.
Dedicated to a Martyr of Honesty
The house bears the name of Blessed Floribert Bwana Chui — born in Goma, DR Congo on 13 June 1981 — who encountered Sant'Egidio in 2001 and devoted his life to serving street children. In 2007, working as a customs officer at the Rwanda border, he was killed for refusing to approve a shipment of spoiled rice. He is the first African martyr killed because of corruption. His feast day is 8 July.