Nigerian international music star Divine Ikubor, widely known as Rema, has donated ₦105 million to Christ Embassy Church in Benin City, Edo State. The Edo-born artist was in the state to celebrate Edo@33, where he also performed the groundbreaking ceremony for the 6,000-capacity Edo Dome and participated in a musical concert at Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium, at the invitation of the state government.
Rema made the donation to the Edo Regional Headquarters of the church, located on Erediauwa Street off Ekenwa Road, as a gesture of gratitude for the church’s support to his family during a challenging period in his childhood. During a Thanksgiving service at the church, he reflected on the pivotal role the church played in his family’s life after the passing of his father when he was just eight years old.
"I’m not here to seek any accolades or glory for myself, but to give all the glory to God," Rema stated. "I felt it was important to give back to the church that embraced me, prayed for me, and kept me spiritually strong. When my dad passed away, my family and I felt lost and abandoned. We lost everything we had, and it was during this time that Pastor Joy and Pastor Thomas, the pastors of this church, opened a shop for my mom. That shop helped her care for and feed us."
In appreciation of the church’s support, Rema pledged ₦105 million in donations, specifying how the funds would be allocated: ₦40 million for the church’s infrastructural development,₦20 million for the Rhapsody of Realities publication, and₦25 million for the teen church, where he had his roots. Additionally, he committed ₦20 million to assist widows in the congregation who were present during the service.