By Amos Aar
The marriage of a young non-verbal autistic man popularly known as “Aboy” has thrust Apostle Chibuzor Gift Chinyere, founder of the Omega Power Ministry (OPM), back into national conversation, highlighting once again the intersection of faith, charity, and social responsibility in Nigeria.
What began as a public appeal for companionship for the young man quickly evolved into an unconventional wedding with a lady identified only as Blessing, that has since gone viral.
The cleric had earlier announced a call for any willing woman to marry the autistic beneficiary, promising a range of incentives including full payment of bride price, a house, financial support, healthcare, and other welfare packages aimed at ensuring long-term care and stability.
Within days, the appeal yielded results. On March 29, 2026, the young man was married in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, in a ceremony that drew attention both for its humanitarian framing and the scale of financial commitments attached to it.
Multiple reports circulating online indicated that the couple received a N10 million wedding gift, a house, and promises of continued support, including a potential N20 million payout after a decade, alongside donations from members of the church.
For supporters of the initiative, the marriage represents an act of compassion. Apostle Chinyere has built a reputation for intervening in the lives of vulnerable individuals, often providing housing, scholarships, and emergency assistance.
Within this context, the arrangement has been framed as an extension of his welfare-driven ministry, an attempt to provide companionship and dignity to someone living with developmental challenges.
However, the development has also gifted a national debate, particularly across social media platforms, where questions around consent, motivation, and long-term welfare have dominated public discourse.
On social media, reactions were divided. A veteran journalist, Becky Madojemu, questioned the ethical basis of the arrangement, arguing in a Facebook post that the development was “heartbreaking” and suggesting that what the young man requires is “a trained caregiver and space to be himself,” rather than a marriage shaped by material incentives.
Similarly, discussions amplified on platforms linked to Lucky Edu reflected wider unease, with some users contending that the financial benefits attached to the union risk commodifying marriage and could overshadow genuine emotional commitment. Others, however, pushed back, insisting the intervention should be viewed within the context of humanitarian support rather than exploitation.
The controversy deepened when details emerged about the bride, who reportedly disclosed after the wedding that she is a mother of three.
This revelation contradicted earlier perceptions held by some Nigerians and triggered mixed reactions, with some questioning transparency while others urged restraint, noting the potential impact of public scrutiny on the couple’s stability.
Adding to the intensity of the debate were reports that the cleric visited the couple shortly after the wedding to address issues raised online, a move that further polarized opinion.
While some viewed it as due diligence in ensuring the welfare of the young man, others considered it an intrusion into the privacy of the newlyweds.
Beyond the immediate reactions, the situation has drawn commentary from professionals and advocates who emphasize that individuals with autism often require structured care, specialized support, and informed social integration rather than improvised solutions.
Some people, including Becky Madojemu have argued that what the young man needs most is trained caregiving and a supportive environment tailored to his condition, rather than the obligations and complexities of marriage.
At the same time, others see the development as reflective of broader societal realities, where economic hardship and limited social welfare systems can shape personal decisions in profound ways.
The promise of financial security, in this case, has become a central talking point, raising difficult questions about agency and intention in relationships formed under such circumstances.
Despite the criticisms, there remains a segment of the public that continues to commend the cleric’s efforts, pointing to his history of philanthropy and insisting that the outcome, however unconventional, offers the young man a chance at companionship and improved living conditions.
*A vow made in church
The newly married woman said, “It is a vow I made, and when that spirit told me, immediately I texted dad. I also texted Mummy Welfare, and I told her.
“Yes, I will be the one. I want to pay that sacrifice. It is a sacrifice. It is a very big sacrifice. When I look at our Lord Jesus Christ, the sacrifice he paid on the cross of Calvary.
“Nothing is too big for me to do the same for our Lord Jesus Christ. This young man here is a child of God—an adopted child of Dad
“So when God told me, immediately, the spirit was just leading me. And I was texting dad. I told Dad, I will do it. I will marry him. Not only will I marry him, but I will also take care of him as a son. As my king.
“As a husband. As a brother. Because I know people will speak against it. People will say all manner of things. But I am after what the Lord Jesus sent me.
“Because I made a vow to God. Any day I defile this body. Let him not spare my life. Let him kill me. That is the vow I made to God”.
*Virginity
She also denied claims that she was a virgin, describing the rumours as untrue.
She went on to reveal that she had previously been married, but lost her husband.
“I am not a virgin. I am a mother of three. The father of the three children is late. I am from Edo State. My mom is from River State. I grew up in Kalabari, Rivers State. My dad is from Esan in Edo State”.
Also, Apostle Chibuzor has put up his his beautiful daughter, Vivian for potential suitors.
A veteran journalist, Emmanuel Obe said in a post on Facebook that the cleric hasn’t announced the financial inducements yet.
The Spencer name is an orphan from Okrika in Rivers State.
“When she was just 15 years old her father’s sister brought her to port harcourt to do prostitution claiming she bringing her to come and school.
“One day as she went out with her to do prostitution.
Only for her to escape from her and run to my gate.
“As usual before I can admit any child to my house , that child must be taken to the police for proper investigation and documentation.
“After that full medical examination. So enrolled her into school. When some of my adopted children were sent to Dubai for vacation, she was among.
“Last year she became a graduate and she bought gifts of appreciation because she is currently staying on her own and I will soon give out her hand in marriage when she finds the right man.
“Many of my adopted children has grown up and has become married men and women with children. All glory be to god almighty. -Apostle Chibuzor”, according to Obe said in the post.
As conversations continue, the marriage has become more than a personal union; it is now a focal point for discussions about ethics, disability rights, religious influence, and the evolving meaning of marriage in contemporary Nigerian society.
Whether viewed as an act of kindness or a troubling precedent, the story reveals a deeper reality: in a Country where institutional support systems are often limited, individuals and religious bodies frequently step into roles that blur the line between charity and social engineering, leaving the public to grapple with the consequences.
