Port Harcourt-based cleric, Gift Chibuzor Chinyere, recounted how he once organised a massive wedding ceremony that saw 140 couples formally tie the knot within seven days.
The founder of Omega Power Ministry shared the story through his social media platforms, reflecting on how the initiative came about during one of his church services.
According to the pastor, the event was part of an effort to address a situation he noticed among many couples who were living together and raising children without completing traditional marriage rites or paying bride price.
He explained that the inspiration came while he was preaching about salvation during a church service.
At the time, he said he felt a strong conviction about the number of couples cohabiting without being properly joined in marriage.
He wrote:
“One day, while I was preaching about salvation, I received a ministration that many people were cohabiting and having children without paying the bride price for the women they were living with — joining themselves without God joining them.
“I asked them to come out, and a total of 280 men and women responded.”
Following the moment during the service, the cleric said immediate steps were taken to regularise the relationships.
A committee led by the church welfare team was set up to oversee the process and ensure the couples were properly married.
He stated that the committee was given specific instructions to carry out the arrangements within a short time frame, including travelling to the various villages of the women involved to settle their bride prices.
“I set up a committee headed by the church welfare team and gave the following directives:
“All couples must be properly wedded within 7 days, travel to their various villages and pay the bride price for all the women, buy 140 wedding gowns (no hiring), buy 140 wedding suits, 140 shirts, 140 pairs of shoes, and 140 ties.
Provide everything needed for the weddings — drinks, food, wedding cakes, and rings.”
The arrangements were successfully completed within seven days, culminating in a large wedding ceremony where the couples officially exchanged vows.
Among those who took part were elderly participants, including a 73-year-old man and a 63-year-old woman who were also formally joined in marriage.
Reflecting on the experience, the pastor described the event as a significant moment for the couples involved, noting that the church ensured every requirement for the weddings was provided.
