One of the prominent features of Africans and Nigerians in particular is the fact that they are highly religious and their religious inclinations seem to inform other aspects of their lives.
Baffling in all of these spiritual and sentimental attachments to worship of God is the fact that crimes and evil abound all the more. In fact there is the strong possibility for one to experience series of churches located close to each other in a very remote street in Nigeria wherein there exists so many criminal and nefarious activities.
There is also the popular opinion and questions by some very observant critics regarding the benefits, gotten by members of the numerous churches scattered all over the country as well as their contribution to the society in general. Apart from the spiritual dimension of prayers and protection many seem to think that churches do not really help to alleviate the poor standard of living faced by so many of their congregations other than exploit them financially.
The above mentality has brought about constant disregard for certain churches, men of God and pastors. It has also made most citizens of Nigeria to wonder how churches thrive despite the verbal attacks they are subjected to daily by some citizens.
Well it is interesting to state that churches do actually contribute to the growth of their members and societal development at large. A perfect example of such a church is the ever-growing Salvatiom Ministries in Port Harcourt with branches scattered all over the world.
Just recently it was revealed by news sources Legit.ng that the general overseer of the church, Pastor, David Iboyeomie has built a brand new primary school where students are on a full scholarship
According to the social media news sources, the popular Nigerian pastor, David Ibiyeomie built the brand new primary school with the singular objective of having students attend with the benefits of a full scholarship.
Recall that Ibiyeomie is also a televangelist, and does series of programs as a pastor of Salvation Ministries, in Port Harcourt, in the south-south region of Nigeria.
The 58-year old pastor dedicated the school and named it “Home of Success Academy.” The school is an A level primary school with all the basic amenities needed and a very conducive environment for learning. To be enrolled into the academic institution, students are expected to pass the entrance examination of the school.
Recent photos of the wonderful development were shared on Salvation Ministries official Facebook page showing the pastor officially declaring the school open. The event witnessed how the pastor was also received by staff and students of the school on arrival to commissioning of the institution.
The pastor was given a tour around the school premises to inspect the facilities while he interacted with staff and students. The formidable Pastor Ibiyeomie is widely known for his positive contribution to his immediate society and beyond.
Two years ago it was reported by, Legit.ng, that Gbaramatu Voice, a community newspaper in the Niger Delta, chose the pastor as one of the beneficiaries of its Lifetime Achievement Awards. Pastor Ibiyeomie was honoured alongside very distinguished Niger Delta personalities like ex-President Goodluck Jonathan, elder statesman; Chief Edwin Clark, and publisher of the Vanguard Newspapers Limited, Elder Sam Amuka.
Moreso, recall those controversial Nigerian journalists, Kemi Omololu-Olunloyo, in a social media post, disclosed how God used Pastor Ibiyeomie to heal her. In her post, Olunloyo disclosed that after spending 90 days in Port Harcourt prison, she decided to attend Pastor Ibiyeomie’s church instead of the usual Catholic Church she attends down the street. According to her, on getting there, the place was different and her spirit was lifted.
Hopefully more men of God and churches would begin to follow in these footsteps of the gracious Pastor to show more solidarity and sensitivity to the suffering faced by members and their welfare in general.
Gift Joseph Okpakorese
Staff Writer
