Chibuzor Gift Chinyere Biography: Life, Ministry, Net Worth, And Achievements
Apostle Dr. Chibuzor Gift Chinyere is a renowned Nigerian pastor, humanitarian, and the founder of Omega Power Ministries (OPM). Born on October 22, 1973, in Ohanku Village, Ukwa East Local Government Area of Abia State, Chinyere’s journey from hardship to becoming a prominent religious figure and philanthropist is inspiring.
Early Life
Chinyere’s life began in humble circumstances. He grew up in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, and after his parents passed away, he faced significant challenges. In search of a better life, he moved to Lagos, where he initially struggled, even sleeping under bridges. He worked menial jobs, including being a janitor at the Nigerian Airport Authority, a security guard, and selling GSM recharge cards, just to make ends meet. His early years of hardship laid the foundation for his deep compassion for the underprivileged, which later became central to his ministry and humanitarian work.
Conversion and Ministry Foundation
Chinyere was initially a member of the Jehovah's Witnesses, but he later embraced Pentecostalism. He joined the Mountain of Fire and Miracles Ministries (MFM), where he served as a house fellowship teacher. However, in 2006, driven by a divine calling, he left MFM and founded Omega Power Ministries (OPM) in Port Harcourt. The church started modestly but grew rapidly, becoming a significant Christian denomination with over 100 branches worldwide.
OPM is particularly known for its emphasis on deliverance, healing, and prophetic teachings. Apostle Chinyere is celebrated for his unorthodox yet highly effective approach to evangelism, which combines spiritual teachings with humanitarian outreach. The church’s motto, “Dr. Jesus in Action,” encapsulates its focus on using faith and service to change lives.
Humanitarian Contributions through OPM Foundation
Apostle Chinyere is not only a pastor but also a dedicated philanthropist, primarily through the OPM Foundation, which he founded as an extension of his ministry. The foundation has undertaken numerous humanitarian projects aimed at alleviating poverty, providing education, and offering vocational training to the less privileged in Nigeria and beyond.
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Free Education Initiative: One of OPM’s flagship projects is its free education initiative, which has established several free schools for underprivileged children. These schools provide not just tuition-free education but also uniforms, sandals, books, and even meals, ensuring that poverty does not hinder access to learning. The schools operate in locations such as Port Harcourt and Abia State.
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Scholarships: OPM has awarded university scholarships to thousands of students, enabling them to pursue higher education both in Nigeria and internationally. In 2015, the foundation sponsored a group of less privileged children on an educational trip to Paris, France.
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Free Healthcare: The OPM Foundation also runs a specialist hospital in Port Harcourt, providing free medical care to pregnant women and other disadvantaged individuals. This hospital is a critical resource for people who cannot afford medical bills, offering a range of healthcare services at no cost.
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Vocational Training and Empowerment: The foundation has established multiple vocational centers, including free tailoring, carpentry, welding, and driving schools. These centers aim to equip people with marketable skills, particularly in the oil and gas industry, to help them become self-sufficient. Over 6,000 Nigerians have benefited from these programs.
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Borehole Projects: To address water shortages in various communities, OPM has funded the drilling of boreholes, providing clean and accessible water to people in areas such as Rumuji in Rivers State and the Nkpukpuwa community in Abia State.
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Free Restaurants and Housing Projects: OPM has set up free restaurants that serve food to the poor daily. In addition, the church has built housing complexes for widows, homeless people, and other vulnerable groups. These homes are given out at no cost to the beneficiaries.
Personal Life
Apostle Chinyere is married to Evangelist Dr. Nkechi Juliet Chinyere, and together they have children. Despite facing personal trials, including challenges related to childbearing early in their marriage, the couple remains dedicated to their ministry and humanitarian work.
Net Worth
Apostle Chinyere’s journey from poverty to prosperity is remarkable. His ministry has grown into one of the most influential Pentecostal movements in Nigeria, and with it, his wealth. His net worth is estimated to be around $4 million. Much of this wealth comes from his ministry, but Chinyere is known for reinvesting much of his resources back into charitable causes, particularly through the OPM Foundation. He is also known for his generous lifestyle, frequently giving out cars, houses, and financial assistance to those in need.
Achievements and Recognition
Chinyere’s work has earned him numerous awards and honors, both locally and internationally. In 2011, he received an honorary doctorate in Theology from Freedom University and Theological Seminary in Philadelphia, USA. He has also been recognized for his peace-building efforts, receiving awards such as the Ambassador for Peace Award from the Inter-Religious and International Federation for World Peace.
In addition, he has been honored by institutions like the University of Port Harcourt and various community organizations. In 2013, he received the "Fearless Preacher of the Year" award from GoodNews Magazine, and the "Pillar of Hope" award from the Ndoki Council of Chiefs.
Global Impact
OPM’s humanitarian efforts are not confined to Nigeria. The foundation has extended its outreach internationally, including to the United States. In Houston, Texas, for instance, OPM’s humanitarian mission provided food and support to homeless people, illustrating the global reach of Apostle Chinyere’s compassion.
Conclusion
Apostle Chibuzor Gift Chinyere’s life and ministry reflect a deep commitment to service, faith, and philanthropy. From his humble beginnings, he has risen to become a global spiritual leader and humanitarian icon. Through OPM and its foundation, he continues to touch lives, offering hope to the hopeless and empowering the less privileged. His legacy is one of compassion, dedication, and transformative impact, both in Nigeria and across the world