David Ibiyeomie is a Nigerian pastor, televangelist, author, and educationist. He is the founder and senior pastor of Salvation Ministries, in Port Harcourt, Nigeria.
Early life
Ibiyeomie was born on October 21, 1962, in Bonny Island, Rivers State. His parents were natives of Bolo Town, a place situated in the Ogu/Bolo LGA of Rivers State, Nigeria.
Education background
David Ibiyeomie attended Banham Primary School Port-Harcourt, Rivers State, Nigeria from 1969 to 1974 for his primary education. He went to Government Comprehensive Secondary School, Borikiri, Rivers State, Nigeria. After then he was admitted into Rivers State University of Science and Technology, Port Harcourt for a degree course in Microbiology in 1980. In recognition of his diligence and result-oriented ministry, the Bradley University of America awarded him an honorary doctorate degree in Divinity on 15 May 2004.
Salvation Ministries (Home Of Success)
After completing his Bible School training at Bishop David Oyedepo’s Word of Faith Bible Institute (WOFBI), Ibiyeomie started a house fellowship with his family in Victoria Island, Lagos, Nigeria. He later relocated to Port Harcourt, Rivers State, where he started Salvation Ministries (Glorious Chapel) on April 13, 1997, with a little over twenty members in attendance.
In July 1997, the church relocated to a larger plot of land on Birabi Street in G.R.A. Phase 1, Port Harcourt. As of 2017, Salvation Ministries averages about 50,000 attendees every Sunday at its headquarters. On the 13th of February,2011 , Salvation Ministries started 14 satellite churches in one day, with all running five services each; a new record in the history of church growth. Today, Ibiyeomie pastors millions of worshippers spread all over the globe through his television ministry, online ministration and with over 350 satellite churches within and outside the country and over 370 pastors assisting him.
Controversies
Ibiyeomie has been controversial on multiple occasions.In January 2017 Ibiyeomie is alleged to have made prejudiced comments against the Ogoni people, leading the Movement for the Survival of the Ogoni People to demand that he apologise.
In March 2017, journalist Kemi Omololu-Olunloyo alleged that Ibiyeomie was having an affair with Nollywood actress Iyabo Ojo. Olunloyo was subsequently arrested and refused bail for defamation. However she has been released. Ibiyeomie strongly denies the allegations.
David Ibiyeomie Foundation
The David Ibiyeomie Foundation’s (DIF) focuses are in the areas of scholarship, skills acquisition and empowerment programmes, social welfare and medical support. Its vision is to be a “channel of blessing to society through different avenues of giving”, support and care.
Hour Of Salvation
In 2001, David Ibiyeomie started a television program called THE HOUR OF SALVATION on NTA channel 10 Port Harcourt with the maiden episode, “FAITH IS NOW”. Today, he preaches on the same television Program in over 47 television stations both locally and internationally.
Books
Ibiyeomie is a prolific writer with over 80 books published.
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