…By Dorcas Funmi for TDPel Media.
Port Harcourt-based pastor, Apostle Chibuzor Gift Chinyere, has addressed the accusations made by his scholarship beneficiaries, Happie Boys.
The young men, studying in Cyprus, claimed that the pastor had stopped sponsoring them, leading to their dropout due to financial constraints.
In response, Apostle Chibuzor took to his official Facebook page to explain his actions and reveal his next steps.
Pausing Scholarship Funding Due to High Dollar Rate:
Apostle Chibuzor clarified that he had temporarily halted the funding of the scholarship program due to the high exchange rate of the dollar.
With over 4000 individuals on his scholarship programs, he felt the burden had become overwhelming.
The pastor expressed his inability to continue financially supporting the students in Cyprus.
Alternative Options for Students and Communication with Parents:
Recognizing the impact of his decision, Apostle Chibuzor communicated the situation to the parents of the affected students.
He offered them an alternative, suggesting that the students could continue their studies at any university in Nigeria or the neighboring Benin Republic.
By presenting this option, the pastor aimed to ensure that the educational pursuits of the scholarship beneficiaries would not be completely hindered.
Forgiveness and Scholarship Restoration:
Apostle Chibuzor concluded his statement by expressing forgiveness towards the Happie Boys and announcing his intention to reinstate their scholarships.
He emphasized that the restoration would be applicable for any university in Nigeria or the Benin Republic.
The pastor assured that necessary arrangements were being made to facilitate the return of the students to Nigeria, thus enabling them to resume their studies.
Apostle Chibuzor’s Appreciation and Commitment:
In addition to addressing the accusations, Apostle Chibuzor expressed his gratitude for the support he had received from well-meaning Nigerians regarding his efforts to uplift the less privileged in Nigeria.
He reflected on the initial decision to send the Happie Boys to Cyprus for their education, believing that it was a better opportunity for them compared to working in security roles.
The pastor acknowledged the financial strain caused by the dollar rate but emphasized his commitment to continuing his scholarship program for the benefit of the less privileged.
Conclusion:
Apostle Chibuzor Gift Chinyere, the General Overseer of Omega Power Ministries (OPM), responded to the allegations made by the Happie Boys, shedding light on the reasons behind the pause in their scholarship funding.
He expressed forgiveness towards the students and the church, vowing to reinstate their scholarships to pursue studies in Nigeria or the Benin Republic.
The pastor’s decision demonstrates his dedication to supporting the education of the less privileged and ensuring their future opportunities.