Port Harcourt, Nigeria – In a bold move to combat poverty and illiteracy, the founder of Omega Power Ministries (OPM), Apostle Chibuzor Gift Chinyere, has announced the purchase of a church building using tithes and offerings, which will be converted into another OPM tuition-free school.
The building, previously occupied by the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG) Marine Base branch, is located in a densely populated, low-income area where many children roam the streets without access to education.
Apostle Chinyere revealed that his pastor had initially advised him to use the property as another OPM branch church. However, after witnessing the dire poverty in the community, he chose instead to establish a free school.
“When I visited Marine Base, I saw poor children running around with no hope of education. Lack of schooling fuels poverty, crime, and spiritual lostness,” he said. “The early missionaries won souls through free schools and hospitals before introducing Christ. This is our strategy—show God’s love first.”
The OPM founder also announced plans to merge nearby church branches to redirect funds toward education and healthcare. For instance, OPM’s two branches in GRA Phase 2—just three minutes apart—will be consolidated, with the saved rent used to acquire more properties for free schools.
“What’s the point of having multiple churches in the same area preaching the same Gospel while members’ children can’t afford school?” he questioned. “Big men in GRA don’t need free schools, but the poor do. We must invest in people, not just buildings.”
Despite setbacks—including the demolition of an OPM free school in Lagos, for which the church received ₦123 million in compensation (far below the ₦900 million value)—Apostle Chinyere remains undeterred. OPM currently operates 36 state-of-the-art tuition-free schools across Nigeria, serving orphans and underprivileged children regardless of tribe or religion.
“The church isn’t the building; it’s the people inside,” he emphasized. *”God cares more about human beings than structures. If we educate the poor, we reduce crime and win souls for Christ.”
The new Marine Base free school is expected to open soon, joining OPM’s expanding network of humanitarian projects, including free hospitals. Apostle Chinyere’s vision is clear: “Every poor child deserves education. That’s how we’ll build a better Nigeria.”
