Mohammed Oluwatimileyin Taoheed reports,
The International Human Right Commission (IHRC) has awarded Apostle Chibuzor Gift Chinyere, a Port Harcourt-based pastor, for relocating the family of the late Deborah Yakubu from Niger State to Rivers State.
While appreciating his tactical move, Chinyere – who is the General Overseer of the Omega Power Ministries – was given “Exceptional Global Gold Medal Award” at a ceremony in Port Harcourt.
Track News Nigeria learnt the pastor was the first black man and individual to be so honoured.
The IHRC also decorated the cleric’s wife Nkechinyere with a bronze medal, a silver crown and a handfan for her support of her husband’s humanitarian passion.
The award was presented on behalf of the commission by its High Commissioner for the African Region, Dr. Friday Sani, and two other members of the Peace keepers.
Recall how Deborah, a 200-level student of Shehu Shagari College of Education, Sokoto, was on May 12 stoned to death and burnt on the school campus for allegedly blaspheming Prophet Muhammad.
Her killing led to outrage over the country, but some youths in Sokoto justified the jungle justice and rioted over the arrest of two suspects by the police in connection with the murder.
Chinyere relocated Deborah’s parents and siblings to Port Harcourt, as a way to sympathize with them over the demise of their daughter and also to take them away from the scene of danger.
He gifted the family a mini-estate with no fewer than 12 residential apartments, a family car, seed money and a scholarship to Deborah’s siblings to enable them to continue with their education without fear of destruction.
As he conferred the aware on him, Sani noted, “We are simply here to add value to the much you have been doing, I have the mandate of the world headquarters of the International Human Right Commission to come and perform this ceremony.
“As the African Regional Head, I have due knowledge of those that have contributed to humanity, especially people who are excepted to be bestowed with the honour. So many have been recognised in different categories, but this is an exceptional recognition and I wish to say here I am happy the world is watching me.
“My lord, you are the first black man and individual to be honoured with this Global Medal.
“In my years of work with the International Human Rights Commission, this is the first time an individual is awarded the honour and I am not surprised, as the African head in the Commission.
“I have an archive of every humanitarian act, and I know that the kind of exceptional humanitarian you have shown this time, no black man has done such, that is why I see the award as well deserving of you.”
While responding, he told the commission that he was grateful for the honour done him, promising to do more than before.
