Nigerian pastor and founder of Omega Power Ministries, Apostle Chibuzor Gift Chinyere, has issued an apology following public criticism of a viral video in which he sought a wife for an autistic man under his care.
The video, shared on Chinyere’s Facebook page on Friday, drew widespread condemnation, with many viewers describing the proposal as inappropriate and demeaning to women. The post offered financial incentives, including accommodation, a salary, and other benefits, to any woman willing to marry the man.
In a statement on Saturday, Chinyere said: “I want to apologise to all the ladies who watched the video. I can never degrade any woman… if my comments were seen as degrading, I apologise openly. I am very, very sorry.”
He explained that his post was motivated by concern for the young man, who was abandoned as a child and requires full-time care due to his condition. The man, whose family background is unknown, needs assistance with feeding, bathing, and other daily tasks. Chinyere noted that the man had previously been taken to a motherly home by the police but was rejected due to his special needs, leaving the pastor to provide ongoing support.
“I have more than 500 children who have been left at my gate over the years. Some have disabilities, including autism. I cannot abandon them, and this young man is no exception,” he said. Chinyere added that caregivers previously employed to assist the man were unable to manage him, prompting him to explore alternative solutions.
He clarified that the idea of seeking a partner was intended to ensure companionship and proper support for the man, not to demean women. “He cannot perform basic tasks on his own. He cannot brush his teeth, bathe, or feed himself. He does not speak and does not understand instructions. I am always concerned about his safety and wellbeing,” he said.
Chinyere highlighted the facilities and support his ministry provides, including free schools, hospitals, and housing for children with special needs. He acknowledged that the public post may have been misinterpreted, but said it was meant to identify someone willing to live with and support the man long-term. “Making it public was the best way for people to understand the situation and offer help,” he added.
He concluded by reiterating his apology, emphasizing that his intention was to assist a vulnerable individual, not to offend women: “I am truly sorry if my posts offended anyone. My goal is always to care for those who cannot care for themselves.”
