The Lagos State Government has demolished a free school for orphans and disadvantaged children established by Apostle Chibuzor Gift Chinyere, the General Overseer of Omega Power Ministries (OPM).
On Wednesday 8th January, 2025 operatives of the state government’s Lagos Metropolitan Area Transport Authority (LAMATA) stormed the school premises while the children were learning and started demolishing the property.
The demolition is reportedly part of the government’s efforts to redevelop the area for what it called “Quality Bus Corridor project.”
The state reportedly is offering N123 million as compensation for the demolition of the free school’s property valued at N900 million, according to a report by IgbereTV.
Apostle Chibuzor Gift Chinyere, the General Overseer of OPM, expressed dissatisfaction with the compensation offer, stating that it is “pure wickedness” to offer such a low amount for a property worth N900 million. He also alleged that LAMATA has been negotiating with fake representatives of the church.
LAMATA, however, maintains that the compensation reflects the depreciated value of the buildings on the land. Kola Ojelabi, the Head of Corporate Communications for LAMATA, stated that the government has revoked the land, and therefore, the compensation is for the property on the land, not the land itself.
Apostle Chibuzor runs over 30 FREE Schools for poor out of school children across all regions of the country.
The school, situated in Cele area of Lagos, was established to cater for orphans and children of widows, providing free education and hope for a brighter future.
The OPM free school initiative is renowned for providing free education, feeding, and other support to vulnerable children.
Apostle Chibuzor took to Facebook and shared his pain over the incident.
He wrote:“Happening Now… Lagos state government demolishing OPM free schools in LAGOS STATE. A free school for ORPHANS and CHILDREN OF WIDOWS. LET THE TEARS OF THE ORPHANS AND WIDOWS BEGIN TO SPEAK.”
The Lagos State Government has not spoken on the demolition.
