Personality in Focus
David Ibiyeomie: Celebrating God’s Weapon of Positive Change at 61
By Eric Elezuo
Ever seen a man diligent in his work? Did you know he will sit at table with kings and not mean men. He will do wonders and positively affect men and the world in general. One man at the height of such achievement is Pastor David Ibiyeomie, who by every standard, as the Bible would say, is the son of Bishop David Oyedepo, himself the son of Pastor Enoch Adeboye. Of a truth, Pastor David Ibiyeomie has an enviable gyneology and pedigree.
Born on October 21, 1962 in Bonny Island, Rivers State, to the family of late Chief and Mrs. Apollos Iganibo of Bolo Town in Ogu/Bolo Local Government Area of Rivers State, Nigeria, David Ibiyeomie has grown by limps and bounds to become today, one of the reference points of world’s gospel generals, impacting lives and bringing hope and succour to God’s children.
From the earliest humble beginnings, Pastor Ibiyeomie has steadily seen the need to attain great heights, and so he also fashioned his way academically. He attended Banham Primary School Port-Harcourt, Rivers State, Nigeria between 1969 and 1974 before he went to Government Comprehensive Secondary School, Borikiri, Rivers State, Nigeria, where he was from 1974 to 1979. Thereafter, he was admitted into the Rivers State University of Science and Technology, Port Harcourt for a degree Course in Microbiology in 1980.
Pastor Ibiyeomie saw the light of salvation in 1995 when he became born again. Shortly after he gave his life to Christ, a divine mandate was handed over to him, and being so obedient to the kingdom, he put every mechanism in motion to actuaslise the mandate. And with a super daddy in the person of Bishop David Oyedepo, whose divine guidance and training was made manifest, today he is a thoroughbred Pastor, a teacher of the Gospel and a voracious giver.
Under the tutelage of Bishop Oyedepo, Pastor Ibiyeomie continued his education, this time, on a higher spiritual level. He attended full time Bible School at the Word of Faith Bible Institute, operated by Oyedepo’s Living Faith Church, the same year he became born again. That was where he was greatly influenced by the Ministry’s standards and impact.
After his Bible School training at WOFBI, Ibiyeomie started a house fellowship with his family in his Victoria Island, Lagos home. However, he moved to Port Harcourt, Rivers State by divine direction, later and established Salvation Ministries (Glorious Chapel) precisely on April 13, 1997. It was a congregation of just 34 members including himself and wife. The mandate was clear: TO ESTABLISH THE KINGDOM OF GOD HERE ON EARTH through infallible proofs.
In a space of three months, the grace of God in Pastor Ibiyeomie was already manifesting, and the ‘church’ moved to a larger plot of land on Plot 17 Birabi Street, GRA Phase 1, Port Harcourt where over 500,000 attendees worship every Sunday alone. This is excluding its satelite branches spread across the length and breath of the universe, and the millionsthat hook up online via various social media handles. Of all Ibiyeomie’s expansion move, it was reported that In February 2011, the church started 14 satellite branches in one day, all running five services each. That was a new record in the history of church growth. The ministry later implemented a seven services programme every Sunday. According to Ibiyeomie, the plan was perfected according to God’s dictates.
In just 26 years of existence, Pastor Ibiyeomie and the ministry have practically become a phenomenon and reference point to the world. Today, David Ibiyeomie pastors millions of worshippers spread all over the globe through his television ministry, online ministration and with over 200 satellite churches within and outside the country and over 300 pastors assisting him.
A selfless leader, Ibiyeomie is a father to the millions of worshippers that throng the Salvation Ministry ground every Sunday, Thursday and other special events days. He is not just a father by sound, he is indeed a father; meeting the needs of members whenever they arise. It is on record that he kind of live on equal basis with his pastors as practically all of them drive the same kind of jeep he drives, and equally own houses. He provided residential quarters, equipped with state of the art facilities for the staff and pastors’ comfort such as GLORIOUS COURT, SUCCESS COURT, KINGS COURT and TEACHERS QUARTERS. He is a giver par excellence.
It is worthy of note that Ibiyeomie has remained systematic in bringing to past God’s instruction towards expanding His kingdom. To this end, he changed his indoor healing miracle programme tagged “HEALING MIRACLE AND DELIVERANCE SERVICE which started in August 2001 to PORT HARCOURT MIRACLE CRUSADE in November 2003. The programme was remodeled to NIGHT OF Glory in 2010 and in January 2012, the NIGHT OF GLORY programme metamorphosed into the 5NIGHTS OF GLORY, and later in 2022 changed to GLORY REGIGN. The event has today become a household programme all-round the globe. In addition, he holds crusades in different major cities of the world where souls are continually won and miracles abound.
With an unquenchable love for education, Ibiyeomie runs one of the best Christian schools in the region; Chockhmah International Academy; the primary and secondary educational arm of Salvation Ministries. He is also putting finishing touches to the opening of the PACE-SETTERS UNIVERSITY.
The ministry also runs The WORD OF LIFE BIBLE INSTITUTE to cater for the spiritual needs of not only members, but all and sundry. The school is reputed to have produced thousands of scholars across denominations since inception.
Papa, as he is fondly called by members who adore him, has not hidden the fact that he is a very rich pastor. He has also not hidden the source of his enduring wealth, and uses every opportunity to teach members how to be wealthy. To him, you only have to give to be super rich – give God unsparingly and unconditionally, and also give to humanity.
His passion to see humanity flourish has seen him awarding scholarships to about 1000 students in primary, secondary and tertiary institutions in one year. He has also renovated and donated modern hospital equipment worth over two hundred thousand US Dollars to the pediatric section of the University of Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital (UPTH) Nigeria; creating a wonderful ambiance to expedite the recovery of the patients.
He also rebuilt the fence of the Central State Primary School, Igwuruta and reconstructed several roads in the city of Port Harcourt to make the environment more habitable. He has in the same vein, built a state-of-the-art home for the elderly in Port Harcourt. Ibiyeomie’s humanitarian services can only be imagined. He has practically superceded the concept of giving.
His unquenchable desire to see that humanity is well catered for on a more larger scale metamorphosed in the establishment of the David Ibiyeomie Foundation (DIF) through which he has rendered untold assistance to thousands. In a space of less than one year, that is between 2018 and 2019, the giver extra-ordinaire has spent over N1.5 billion on scholarships alone. His given till date is beyond documentation. Here is a man who has redefined the concept of giving and brotherly love.
Apart from being a preacher and teacher of the Word, Ibiyeomie is a writer of repute, and credited with over 120 inspirational books cutting across all strata of living. Some of them are Dealing with Habits, Enjoying the Favour of God, Secrets for Generational Impact, Total Dominion, The Power of Praise, The Real You, How to Hear from God, The Power of Small Beginning, How Faith Works, Touch of Excellence, How to Fulfill Your Destiny, The Power of Obedience, Prosperity of the Righteous, Business Secrets, The Wonders of Wisdom, The Power of Resurrection, Wisdom for Creativity, Attitude for Supernatural Supplies, The Totality of Man, Keys to Impactful Living, See You at the Top, The Pathway to Greatness, The Power of Commitment, Wisdom to See Ahead, The Price for Power, The Prosperous Family, Walking in the Anointing, Be the Best, Success Pillars and Demonstrating Love for Your Nation.
He is the quintessential evidence to God’s vision towards global impact. It is not by accident that he is brain the largest church building in the world; The Finger of God Cathedral, located in Port Harcourt. The edifice is said to sit 120,000 worshippers at a time, and with the state of the art facilities.
He is happily married to Peace Ibiyeomie, and they are blessed with a son, David Ibiyeomie jr.
Today, the man with a stupendous vision to turn the world around for Christ, an enigmatic covenant practitioner is 61 years, and we can’t just keep quiet but clink glasses and give God Glory for all He has done. We are so privilege to have an Ibiyeomie in this age and time.
Pastor Ibiyeomie is an embodiment of many things; jokes, dance, laughter and camaraderie.
Congratulations sir, and happy glorious birthday!
The Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume, has officially wed Queen Zaynab Ngohemba, the former wife of the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi.
The announcement was made public on Friday by a facebook user and member of the Dajoh family, Abraham Double-d Dajoh, via a celebratory social media post.
He confirmed the union between the high-ranking government official and the former Olori of the Ife Kingdom.
The Dajoh family described the union as “beautiful” and “uncommon,” as they formally welcomed her into their fold in Benue State.
In a statement that quickly went viral, the Dajoh family expressed their collective joy, signalling a significant chapter for the SGF’s household.
“We, the entire Dajoh Family, happily join our daddy, uncle and brother, His Excellency, The Secretary To The Government Of The Federation, Sen. George Akume Jugu Dajoh in welcoming his new and uncommon wife, Queen Zaynab Ngohemba-George Akume Dajoh, into the Dajoh family,” the post read.
The family further extended their appreciation to the political associates and supporters of the SGF, urging them to remain steadfast in their loyalty to him as he embarks on this personal journey.
“We appreciate and thank the fans and supporters of Sen. Akume for always standing by him. We enjoin every one of you to continue to support his Excellency even in this beautiful union with Queen Zaynab,” the post further read.
Queen Zaynab, who was previously known as Olori Wuraola during her 17-month marriage to the Ooni of Ife (which ended in 2017), was ushered into her new home with deep cultural reverence.
The Dajoh family emphasised the importance of their ancestral roots in Mbakor and the wider Benue State.
“Welcome to Benue State, the Food Basket of the Nation, welcome to Mbakor, the seat of leadership of the Tiv nation and welcome to the Dajoh family, the home of your darling husband. Welcome home, Queen Zaynab,” the statement concluded.
The announcement coincided with the festive period, as the family used the opportunity to wish Nigerians a happy holiday season.
“We wish you all a happy Christmas Celebration and a Prosperous New Year,” the post read.
Akume, a former Governor of Benue State and a politician, currently serves as a key figure in the President Bola Tinubu administration.
The news of his marriage to Queen Zaynab—a prominent humanitarian and former royal—has become a major talking point across the country’s social and political circles.
When contacted on the telephone on Friday, Akume’s spokesman, Yomi Odunuga, confirmed the marriage.
He, however, said contrary to reports that the wedding was held on December 24, the marriage is over a year old.
“I can confirm the marriage. However, contrary to the rumour that the marriage was concretised in Gboko on Christmas eve when the couple appeared together at an event to celebrate Christmas, it was actually a marriage that is over a year old,” Odunuga said.
Source: The Punch
The University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN), has appointed a renowned novelist, Chimamanda Adichie, isiting professor as part of the drive to reposition the institution on the global academic stage.
Also appointed visiting professors are African Development Bank (AfDB) executive, Prof Kevin Urama, and Prof James Robinson of the University of Chicago.
The appointments were announced through official letters dated December 18, 2025 and signed by the Vice-Chancellor, Prof Simon Ortuanya.
Among the roles expected of the trio, according to the letters, included teaching engagements, research collaboration, mentorship, and strategic academic interactions.
Adichie, it was gathered, was appointed based on her outstanding contributions to literature, creative writing, and global intellectual discourse.
According to the university, Adichie’s visiting professorial would enrich the arts and humanities of the institution through lectures, scholarly engagements, and mentorship of students and young academics.
Prof Urama, a renowned development economist and senior official at the African Development Bank, was appointed because of his “versatile expertise in development economics, climate policy, and evidence-based policymaking”.
“His engagement is expected to strengthen teaching, research, and policy-oriented programmes, particularly in economics, development studies, and related disciplines,” UNN said.
On Prof James Robinson, a political economist at the University of Chicago, UNN said his appointment was intended to deepen academic collaboration, advance research, and expose students and lecturers “to cutting-edge global scholarship in political economy and development studies”.
The acting Public Relations Officer of the institution, Inya Agha Egwu, said that the appointments align with the commitment of “the vice-chancellor to attracting eminent global scholars and industry leaders to UNN, in line with the vision of its founding fathers”.
He said: “The University of Nigeria was founded to be a globally competitive institution; the latest appointments represent a significant step towards reclaiming that legacy and enhancing its global relevance.”
Inya said the visiting professorships are designed to promote knowledge exchange, strengthen international linkages, and bridge the gap between theory, policy, and practice, adding that the latest appointments “bring the number to four visiting professors appointed by the vice-chancellor in December 2025”.
Senator Peter Onyelukachukwu Nwaoboshi, the former lawmaker who represented Delta North Senatorial District in the National Assembly, has passed away. He was 68.
Reports said that Nwaoboshi died on Friday in Abuja following a brief illness.
His demise was confirmed in a condolence statement issued by the Delta State governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori.
Expressing sorrow, the governor described Nwaoboshi’s passing as a monumental loss to Delta State, the Anioma nation, and the Nigerian federation.
In the statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Sir Festus Ahon, Governor Oborevwori hailed the late Senator as a “fearless advocate” of the Anioma cause whose contributions to nation-building remain indelible.
The governor recalled Nwaoboshi’s impactful tenure in the Red Chamber, particularly his role as Chairman of the Senate Committee on Niger Delta Affairs.
He noted that Nwaoboshi’s consistent advocacy for the development of the oil-rich region distinguished him as a passionate and committed leader.
“On behalf of the government and people of Delta State, I mourn the passing of my dear friend, Senator Peter Onyelukachukwu Nwaoboshi,” the governor said.
“I extend my heartfelt condolences to his immediate family, the people of Anioma nation, members of the All Progressives Congress (APC), and all those whose lives he touched. I pray that Almighty God grant his soul eternal rest.”
Before his elevation to the Senate in 2015, he served meritoriously as a two-term Chairman of the Peoples’ Democratic Party (PDP) in Delta State, where he was instrumental in consolidating the party’s grip on the State.
