By Felicia Udeji
In a moving display of gratitude, Afrobeats star Divine Ikubor, widely known as Rema, has shown that some debts of kindness can never be forgotten. On Sunday, during a service at a Christ Embassy church in Benin, Edo State.
The young artist made a significant donation of N105 million to the very church that supported him and his family during one of the darkest periods of their lives.
As an 8-year-old, Rema faced a heartbreaking loss when his father passed away, leaving his family in a state of profound despair. They were not only grappling with grief but were also left without financial stability. In this bleak time, it was the church that stepped in, providing a lifeline that Rema and his family desperately needed.
Rema recalled the difficult days, saying, “When I was eight years old and lost my dad, we felt very lost and abandoned. All that we had was taken from us, and we felt very alone. I remember at the time, Pastor Joy and Pastor Thomas, the pastors of this church, opened a shop for my mum, and that was what she managed to take care of us.”
Years later, standing on the same grounds where his life had been forever changed, Rema expressed his deep gratitude by pledging N105 million to the church. In a heartfelt speech, he said, “I’m not here to give myself any accolades or glory. I’m here to give God the glory. I feel like it is important to give back because the church has embraced, prayed for me, and has kept me very consistent with my spirit.”
The donations were allocated thoughtfully: N40 million for the church’s infrastructure, N20 million to support the distribution of “Rhapsody of Realities,” and N25 million specifically for the teens’ church infrastructure, a nod to the church community where he spent his formative years. Additionally, Rema pledged N20 million to assist widows in the congregation, further extending his hand to those in need.
This act of generosity comes as Rema returns to his hometown in Benin, where he is preparing for his much-anticipated homecoming concert. His gesture serves as a powerful reminder of the lasting impact of compassion and the importance of giving back to those who once gave everything to support you.