As the world marked World Down Syndrome Day 2026 on March 21 under the theme “Together Against Loneliness,” His Royal Majesty, King Apostle Dr. Chibuzor Chinyere, the general Overseer of Omega Power Ministry (OPM) and the Ihie 1 of Ikwuorie Autonomous Community, has been spotlighted for his sustained humanitarian interventions targeted at children living with Down Syndrome and autism.
At the centre of this recognition by NATIONAL CONCORD is the OPM Free School in Port Harcourt, an initiative widely regarded as a refuge for children with special needs. The institution, fully funded through tithes and offerings from OPM, provides free education and care to children irrespective of religious or social background an approach advocates say directly addresses the social isolation often experienced by persons with developmental conditions.
Speaking to our correspondent in commemoration of the global observance, Apostle Chinyere said the initiative reflects a broader commitment to inclusion and dignity. He noted that the school is designed not only as a place of learning but as a community where children are accepted and supported to build meaningful relationships.
The cleric’s philanthropic model, which channels 100 per cent of church contributions into social programmes, has also sustained a network of over 30 free schools for orphans and underprivileged children, alongside free healthcare facilities, human capital development and housing projects for the homeless.
This approach has earned him multiple recognitions on the international stage. Among them is a Global Gold Medal Award from the International Human Rights Commission, as well as a listing in the Nigerian Books of Record in 2019. In 2025, he was honoured by the Nigerian Police Force with a Police Support Recognition Award reportedly as the only civilian recipient for his contributions to welfare support.
Beyond education, his interventions span healthcare and housing, reflecting what the ministry describes as a “Practical Christianity” model an application of faith-based resources to solve pressing social challenges.
Observers note that the OPM Free School has increasingly drawn attention as a possible template for inclusive education, particularly in developing countries where access to specialised care remains limited.
As global conversations around inclusion and mental well-being intensify, the initiative HRM Apostle Dr Chibuzor Chinyere is being positioned as a real-world example of how institutional support can counter loneliness among vulnerable populations.
The OPM Foundation, the charitable arm of the ministry, continues to drive these interventions, focusing on free education, healthcare, and housing for disadvantaged communities. According to the organisation, its programmes are guided by a philosophy it describes as “Doctor Jesus in Action,” aimed at delivering practical relief and long-term social impact.
For further enquiries, the Public Relations Department of Omega Power Ministries (OPM) Worldwide can be reached via email at **@**********de.com, with additional information available on its official website.
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