OPM Pastor Announces Free Wedding Sponsorship for Cohabiting Couples
Apostle Chibuzor Gift Chinyere, the General Overseer of Omega Power Ministries (OPM), has unveiled a groundbreaking initiative aimed at supporting couples who are cohabiting without formalizing their union through traditional marriage rites. The pastor has committed to paying the bride price and fully sponsoring the wedding ceremonies for eligible couples, even those who already have children together.
Conditions for Participation in the Sponsored Wedding Program
The generous offer comes with two specific conditions that couples must meet to qualify for the sponsored mass wedding. Apostle Chibuzor outlined these requirements in a detailed Facebook post that has since garnered significant attention across social media platforms.
- Each branch of Omega Power Ministries must recommend five couples for the program, with the church headquarters taking responsibility for the sponsorship of all selected participants.
- The names of recommended couples must reach the head of welfare at OPM headquarters on or before Sunday, April 19, 2026, to ensure proper planning and coordination of the mass wedding event.
The pastor emphasized that the entire program will be fully funded through tithes and offerings collected by Omega Power Ministries, demonstrating the church's commitment to supporting its members in achieving marital stability and social recognition.
Context and Background of the Initiative
This announcement follows recent controversy surrounding the wedding of the OPM founder's adopted autistic son to a mother of three, which sparked widespread discussion about marriage practices within religious communities. Apostle Chibuzor's new initiative appears to address broader concerns about couples living together without completing traditional marital obligations, particularly within Nigerian cultural contexts where bride price payment holds significant social importance.
In his social media communication, the pastor specifically called upon "couples who were cohabiting and yet to pay dowry to come forward and be part of the sponsored mass wedding." This targeted approach aims to regularize relationships that have already produced children but lack formal recognition through customary marriage processes.
Public Reactions to the Wedding Sponsorship Offer
The announcement has generated diverse reactions from social media users and church members alike. While many have praised the initiative as a practical solution to common relationship challenges, others have offered constructive criticism and alternative perspectives.
- Maureen Ekezie expressed enthusiasm, stating: "God I've seen wedding and a sponsor, I've even seen children, na husband remain. Husband ngwanu show your face with full chest make we do am sharp sharp, no time to waste abeg."
- Ukandu Promise suggested additional pastoral guidance: "Please Also preach against it on the day of the wedding, so that they won't think is normal and pass it to their offspring... God bless you Sir."
- Anyanwu Lucky offered philosophical reflection: "The painful side of marriage is that those that waited and do the right thing before coming together tend to be the once look for the fruit thereof."
- Clara Jaja highlighted broader implications: "Unerstly this thing this pastor is doing every church needs it too many people in the church haven't fulfill there wife marital right."
- Ezeh Levi Ugochukwu provided cultural context: "Wedding is a borrowed Tradition from white. Please give them that cash for their livelihood. Thanks. We are Igbos. Traditional marriage is our right."
Related Developments and Previous Initiatives
This wedding sponsorship program represents the latest in a series of social initiatives by Apostle Chibuzor and Omega Power Ministries. Previously, the pastor made headlines for arranging the marriage of his adopted autistic son and subsequently seeking a suitable husband for his autistic daughter, demonstrating consistent engagement with family and relationship matters within his congregation.
The pastor has also shared updates about positive changes observed in his adopted autistic son following marriage, providing personal testimony about the transformative potential of stable marital relationships. These related stories have contributed to ongoing conversations about marriage, disability, and social support within Nigerian religious communities.
As the April 2026 deadline approaches, eligible couples across Omega Power Ministries branches are expected to submit their applications for consideration in this unique wedding sponsorship program that blends religious support with cultural tradition.
