Early Life

David Ibiyeomie was born in Bonny Island, Rivers State, Nigeria, on October 21, 1962. He is from Bolo Town, which is located in the Ogu/Bolo Local Government Area. Banham Primary School in Rivers State served as his elementary school, while Government Comprehensive Secondary School Borikiri served as his secondary school. He then continued his studies in Port Harcourt’s University of Science and Technology.

Ministry

Ibiyeomie started a deep spiritual journey in 1995 when he enrolled at the Word of Faith Bible Institute’s full-time Bible School, which was run by Bishop David Oyedepo. His future ministry was made possible by this rigorous training.

An important milestone was accomplished on April 13, 1997, when Pastor Ibiyeomie founded Salvation Ministries with a small team of 34 people. This modest start signaled the beginning of a ministry that would see incredible expansion and influence.

Salvation Ministries began as a house fellowship on Lagos’s Victoria Island. But soon after, Pastor Ibiyeomie moved to Port Harcourt, where on April 13, 1997, he formally opened the ministry.

Although the church had humble beginnings in its early years, its membership soon grew rapidly. The necessity for a bigger area became apparent by July 1997, which led to the move to a larger piece of property. This was a turning point in the history of the church.

Salvation Ministries is a living example of its founder’s vision today. The ministry has a sizable following, with over 50,000 people attending its headquarters on a weekly average. In February 2011, 14 satellite churches were established simultaneously, each holding five sessions a day, in a stunning demonstration of growth.

Outreaches

The impact that Pastor Ibiyeomie has goes well beyond the boundaries of his congregation. His television ministry, “Hour of Salvation,” reaches millions of viewers both domestically and abroad on more than 40 television networks. This program, which was first broadcast on Port Harcourt’s Nigerian Television Authority (NTA) channel 10 in 2001, has grown to be an essential medium for sharing the gospel.

Additionally, there are a number of outreach channels included in Pastor Ibiyeomie’s ministry. He writes a lot and uses his writings to share his knowledge and lessons. In order to spread his message and reach a larger audience, he now presents an online radio program.

Allegations

The ministry of Pastor Ibiyeomie has not been without controversy. He came under fire in January 2017 for allegedly making discriminatory comments against the Ogoni people. The Movement for the Survival of the Ogoni People was called upon to issue an apology as a result of this incident.

Journalist Kemi Omololu-Olunloyo accused Pastor Ibiyeomie of having an affair with Nollywood actress Iyabo Ojo in March of that year. Olunloyo was arrested and subsequently detained as a result of these accusations. Even though she was subsequently freed, the episode generated a lot of controversy and media coverage. The accusations were strongly refuted by Pastor Ibiyeomie.

Conclusion

The path taken by Pastor David Ibiyeomie is evidence of his steadfast faith, devotion, and desire to share the gospel. From modest beginnings, he has established a flourishing ministry that has changed the lives of innumerable people in Nigeria and around the world. Even though there have occasionally been controversies, his ministry is still thriving and has had a lasting impact on Nigerian Christianity.