Salvation Ministries Unveils Hand of God Cathedral, A 120,000-Seat Worship Centre in Port Harcourt
Founded by Pastor David Ibiyeomie in 1997, the ministry marks a major milestone with the dedication of its new cathedral, featuring a distinctive architectural design inspired by an outstretched hand.
PORT HARCOURT, Rivers State: Salvation Ministries, founded by renowned Nigerian cleric Pastor David Ibiyeomie, has unveiled its new global headquarters, the Hand of God Cathedral, in Igwuruta, Port Harcourt, Rivers State.
The massive worship centre, designed to accommodate an estimated 120,000 worshippers, marks a major milestone in the ministry’s growth and expansion, which began with a small congregation in Port Harcourt nearly three decades ago.
The cathedral was dedicated on Friday, November 6, 2026, with prominent Christian leaders, government officials, dignitaries, and worshippers from across Nigeria and beyond in attendance.
The dedication ceremony was led by Bishop David Oyedepo, founder of Living Faith Church Worldwide, who was among the distinguished Christian leaders present to celebrate the occasion.
Located along the Port Harcourt International Airport Road in Igwuruta, the Hand of God Cathedral features a distinctive architectural design modelled after an open, outstretched hand. The structure comprises a central dome surrounded by five extended wings, creating an impressive architectural appearance when viewed from above.
The cathedral is designed as a large-scale worship complex, with extensive facilities to accommodate the ministry’s growing congregation and major religious gatherings.
Construction of the project began in 2010, with the initial design reportedly planned to accommodate about 40,000 worshippers. The vision was subsequently expanded, resulting in the present structure with a reported seating capacity of 120,000.
FROM A SMALL CONGREGATION TO A GLOBAL MINISTRY
Salvation Ministries was established on April 13, 1997, by Pastor David Ibiyeomie, with an initial congregation of slightly more than 30 people.
Over the years, the ministry has grown from its original location in Port Harcourt into an international Christian organisation with branches across Nigeria and other countries.
Through its preaching, television broadcasts, evangelism programmes, conferences and other religious activities, the ministry has continued to reach audiences beyond its original base.
Pastor Ibiyeomie, who serves as the presiding pastor, has remained at the centre of the ministry’s growth and expansion.
The completion of the Hand of God Cathedral provides the ministry with a new global worship centre designed to accommodate large congregations and major Christian gatherings.
A NEW LANDMARK FOR PORT HARCOURT
Beyond its religious significance, the cathedral adds a striking architectural landmark to the Port Harcourt landscape.
Its unusual hand-inspired design and reported seating capacity have attracted attention, placing the project among Nigeria’s most ambitious religious construction developments.
For Salvation Ministries, the dedication represents the culmination of years of planning, construction and expansion, while providing a new facility for its growing international congregation.
The Hand of God Cathedral now stands as the ministry’s new global headquarters, marking another chapter in its journey since its establishment in 1997.
