Ecobank Group has partnered with the Omega Power Ministries (OPM) Free School for Children with Autism and Down Syndrome in Port Harcourt, donating teaching and learning aids as part of activities marking the bank’s 40th anniversary. The initiative underscores the bank’s commitment to corporate social responsibility and inclusive education for children with special needs across Africa.
Speaking during a visit to the residence of HRM King Apostle Dr. Chibuzor Gift Chinyere, Founder and General Overseer of Omega Power Ministries, the Divisional Head, South-South/South-East, Ecobank Nigeria, Mr. Kingsley Okhae, said the partnership was aimed at supporting the only free school for children with autism and Down syndrome in Africa. He noted that OPM’s dedication to uplifting the less privileged aligns with Ecobank’s values. “Knowing your relationship with us and what you have done, we collectively agreed that there is no better institution to partner with than the OPM Free School for Autism and Down Syndrome,” Okhae stated.
Mr. Okhae commended King Chinyere for his visionary leadership and selfless humanitarian service, which have provided hope and relief to countless disadvantaged Nigerians. He assured that Ecobank would continue to partner with OPM on future projects. “We will keep engaging our management to support your initiatives, knowing how impactful your work has been. Your Majesty, you deserve even more recognition for your efforts,” he said.
In his response, King Apostle Dr. Chibuzor Chinyere expressed gratitude to Ecobank for the partnership, noting that all OPM humanitarian initiatives — including 39 free schools, two free hospitals, 18 free estates, a free girls’ technical college, and thousands of local and international scholarships — are fully free of charge. “When you touch the less privileged, you make God happy. We appreciate this gesture and pray that God blesses Ecobank for remembering these special children,” he said, while urging other organizations to emulate the bank’s example.
The Director of Welfare, OPM Worldwide, Dr. (Mrs.) Maurine Chukwu, also appreciated the bank’s gesture and appealed to other corporate bodies, NGOs, and donor agencies to support OPM’s mission of expanding its free educational, health, and housing projects across Nigeria. Other Ecobank representatives at the event included Mrs. Forun Rukayat, Regional Manager (South-South/South-East), Mr. Ayoade Afolabi, Mr. Lateef Musa, and Mr. Malachi Ebebi.