Abuja, Nigeria | Thursday, 6 August 2026
The Diocese of Abuja, Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion), on Thursday, 6 August 2026, held the funeral service for the late Rev’d Canon John Silas Chawai at the Basilica of Grace, Gudu, Abuja.
The solemn service, which was presided over by the Primate of All Nigeria and the Bishop of Abuja, The Most Rev’d Henry Chukwudum Ndukuba had in attendance Clergy, family members, friends, and faithful from across the Church gathered to celebrate the life and ministry of a devoted servant of God who joined the saint triumphant.
In his sermon which was delivered by the Bishop of Gwagwalada, The Rt. Rev’d Moses Tabwaye, reflecting on the Christian hope of eternal life, he described death as an exit route to heaven and encouraged those present to find comfort in Christ’s promise of resurrection.
Paying tribute to the late Canon, Bishop Tabwaye described him as a humble, honourable, and faithful minister who had “fought the good fight” and finished his earthly course with distinction. He noted that Canon Chawai did not die in defeat but “graduated to glory,” having remained steadfast in proclaiming the Gospel and resisting compromise. He further remarked that, in an era when many have watered down the message of the Gospel, the late Canon remained unwavering in preaching the truth and labouring faithfully for the salvation of souls.
Bishop Tabwaye added that Canon Chawai kept the faith in liturgy, character, and legacy, noting that he did not preach the Gospel without the cross.
Rev’d Canon John Silas Chawai passed into glory on Friday, 31 July 2026, at the age of 62.
Before answering God’s call into full-time ministry, he served meritoriously in the Nigerian Police Force for more than a decade. His journey of Christian service began as a chorister at Christ Church, Fagge, in the Diocese of Kano during the 1980s. He later served as Catechist at All Saints’ Anglican Church, Kwana Dangora, and St. David’s Anglican Church, Danzamawa, before proceeding to St. Francis Theological Seminary, Wusasa, for ministerial formation.
His exemplary character, discipline, and leadership earned him election as President of the Student Body while at the seminary. Following his graduation, he was posted to the Diocese of Abuja in 2004, where he began his ordained ministry at St. Luke’s Anglican Church, Kado. Over the years, he served faithfully in several congregations across the Diocese, was preferred Canon in 2018, and from 2022 until his passing ministered at the Basilica of Grace Hausa Church.
Earlier, in a condolence message, Archbishop Henry Chukwudum Ndukuba extended heartfelt sympathies to the Chawai family, describing the late Canon’s godly example as “a light and an inspiration to all who knew him.”
The Church gives thanks to God for the life, witness, and faithful ministry of Rev’d Canon John Silas Chawai, whose legacy of integrity, humility, and unwavering commitment to the Gospel will continue to inspire generations of faithful Christians.
Issued by:
Ven. Raphael Aderinwale
Directorate of Communication
Diocese of Abuja
Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion)
