By Ikuru Lizzy
GOVERNOR Siminalayi Fubara of Rivers State has donated N200 million in support of various humanitarian services funded by the Omega Prayer Ministry (OPM) run by cleric, Chibuzor Chinyere.
Fubara spoke at thanksgiving service in Port Harcourt to celebrate the 51st birthday of the cleric where he also commended him for his humanitarian gestures, especially in the areas of poverty alleviation, education, job creation, housing and health.
Referencing the Holy Bible, Fubara said it was more profitable to give than to receive, as he further commended the cleric and members of his congregation for their prayers and support for his administration while also promising to continue his financial support to the church’s humanitarian services.
“I want to commend you for what you have been doing in our society, life is not all about taking but most importantly, it is about giving, for all you are doing for humanity, God will continue to strengthen you.
“Your schools have been able to sustain the level of training that our public schools no longer afford.
“My administration for instance, met a dead system which we are trying to revive but you are funding these services free as a church, this is commendable,” the governor said.
The celebrant, Chinyere, said that the church, in spite of economic challenges had relentlessly continued in its humanitarian services.
According to him, tithe and offerings were not meant for the pleasure of pastors, saying that such funds were meant for charity.
He said the church had so far established 36 free schools across various parts of the country which also included an ‘All Girls Technical Collage as well as one school for autistic children.
He further said that its health care, foreign scholarships and other humanitarian gestures cross the country were to help humanity.
The cleric thanked donors for contributing towards making the church achieve its dreams.
Former Nigeria First Lady, Mrs Patience Jonathan, urged for peace in Rivers as she also congratulated the clergyman on his birthday.
“Chinyere has been a great blessing not only to the body of Christ, and his followers in Rivers state but also to the world in general.
“As he celebrates milestones in his life today, a new age of 51, and 18 successful years in the ministry, I join the Ministers of God and other well-wishers to celebrate him.
“I use this opportunity to thank you for your prayers and I urge you and other anointed men of God to pray for peace and progress of Rivers state; also pray for Nigeria, our dear country,” she said.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Gov. Alex Oti of Abia was represented by his Chief of Staff, Mr Celeb Adagba.
Ex-Senate President, Adolphus Wabara and traditional rulers among others also attended the event. (NAN)
