Pastor offers incentives for husband for autistic adopted daughter
Translated from English, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.
TLDR
- A Nigerian pastor is offering financial incentives and welfare guarantees to any man willing to marry his 21-year-old adopted daughter who has autism.
- The pastor stated the arrangement is to ensure the daughter's well-being and listed conditions for suitors, including physical and mental fitness.
- This follows a similar publicized arrangement by the cleric that drew criticism regarding consent and ethics for individuals with cognitive disabilities.
The Omega Power Ministries (OPM) founder, Chibuzor Chinyere, has once again stirred conversation with his unique approach to ensuring the welfare of his adopted children. This time, the focus is on his 21-year-old adopted daughter, Chiemeka Chibuzor, who has autism. Pastor Chinyere announced on Tuesday via Facebook that he is arranging a marriage for her and is offering a substantial package to any man who accepts.
I am giving out another of my adopted daughters in marriage. Her name is Chiemeka Chibuzor. She is 21 years old and has autism. She can speak and hear well.
The package includes lifetime financial support, a home for life, a jointly owned property, and regular welfare checks by OPM staff. Chinyere emphasizes that this initiative is solely to guarantee Chiemeka's happiness and proper care. He has set clear conditions for potential suitors, requiring them to be young and both physically and mentally fit.
This arrangement is to ensure that she is properly cared for, protected, and lives a happy life.
This situation echoes a previous event where the cleric arranged the marriage of an autistic man, known as Aboy. While that union received mixed reactions, with some questioning the ethics and consent involved, Pastor Chinyere responded by providing the couple with a car and land, and appointing Aboy as an ambassador for the church's school for children with special needs. The OPM's consistent efforts to support vulnerable individuals, particularly those with disabilities, highlight a distinct approach to community care and social responsibility within Nigeria, often sparking debate about tradition, modernity, and the best interests of individuals with cognitive challenges.
The man must be young and โphysically and mentally fit in all forms.โ
Originally published by The Punch in English. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.