𝗥𝗶𝘃𝗲𝗿𝘀 𝗦𝘂𝗺𝗺𝗼𝗻𝘀 𝗖𝗵𝘂𝗿𝗰𝗵 𝗢𝘃𝗲𝗿 𝗣𝗹𝗮𝗻 𝘁𝗼 𝗛𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗢𝘃𝗲𝗿 𝗔𝘂𝘁𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗶𝗰 𝗗𝗮𝘂𝗴𝗵𝘁𝗲𝗿 𝗶𝗻 𝗠𝗮𝗿𝗿𝗶𝗮𝗴𝗲

By George OPARA

Rivers State Government has summoned all orphanage operators and childcare providers for questioning over a proposed autistic marriage plan organized by the founder of the Omega Power Ministries (OPM), Apostle Chibuzor Chinyere.

It also directed the operating orphanage and healthcare providers
to register and comply strictly with the extant statutory frameworks.

Spear News recalls that the development generated a broader conversation on the legal rights of persons with special needs.

The directive was formally proclaimed by Lauretta Dimpka, the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Social Welfare and Rehabilitation, during a stakeholders’ engagement held in Port Harcourt, capital of the state.

The controversial marriage plan was
arranged for a 21-year-old autistic daughter adopted by the Apostle, over which, the plan included incentives for potential suitors, that went viral and drew the attention of social welfare authorities.

While addressing the OPM founder and stakeholders, Madam Dimpka explained that while the intentions of the faith-based organisation may have appeared benevolent, they failed to meet legal standards.

“As a faith-based organisation, the interventions appeared well-meaning but fell short of compliance with the law”.

The Ministry underscored that all childcare and welfare interventions must be anchored under an existing legislation to protect the most vulnerable. Key legal instruments cited include: The Child’s Rights Act: Providing a legal basis for the protection and welfare of all children. The Persons with Disabilities Act: Safeguarding the dignity and autonomy of individuals with special needs. The Violence Against Persons (Prohibition) Act (VAPP): Offering protection against exploitation and harmful practices.

“These laws mandate strict safeguards for minors and persons with special needs,” Dimpka stated, adding that mandatory registration for all orphanages is now essential to ensure adherence to child protection protocols.

In a frank reaction, Apostle Chinyere acceded that his actions were a result of procedural ignorance rather than malice. He thanked the Ministry for the enlightenment, signalling a shift in the church’s approach to social welfare.

“This meeting is an eye-opener,” Chinyere stated. “I have been doing things without knowing that they were wrong. Now I understand better.”

The State said it is committed to monitoring welfare institutions to ensure that every child and person with special needs is shielded from compromising practices on their rights or dignity.