“This Is Like a Car to Me”: Pastor’s Wheelchair Gift to Muslim Man Sparks Joy at Lagos Bus Stop
A spontaneous act of compassion at Igando Bus Stop turns a morning sermon into a moment of unity and hope
By Arikawe Femi
In the early hours of a bustling Lagos morning, commuters at Igando Bus Stop witnessed a rare moment of grace. Apostle Dr. Okey Ihemeje, preaching the Gospel near the BRT terminal, paused his sermon to gift a disabled man, a Muslim identified as Husain Yahaya from Ingawa Local Government Area in Katsina State a brand-new wheelchair.
Watch Video here
As a journalist scouting for headlines for a media report, I stumbled upon this striking scene, one that instantly shifted my focus from the usual hustle to something far more profound.
The spontaneous act drew attention from passers-by, many of whom stopped to watch as the visibly moved recipient was helped into the chair. The atmosphere transformed from routine morning rush to reverent celebration, with applause and prayers echoing across the terminal.
According to Apostle Ihemeje, the gesture was not random. He had first encountered Yahaya two Saturdays prior during a similar evangelism outreach at the same location. Noticing the man’s difficulty walking unaided, he had asked whether he owned a wheelchair. Upon learning that he did not, the pastor promised to return with one and this morning, he kept that promise.
“This is a pure act of love,” Apostle Ihemeje said during the presentation. “We are doing this on behalf of the body of Christ worldwide.”
The gift, he added, was not about religion but about humanity. Despite Yahaya’s Muslim faith, the pastor emphasised that Christianity is a relationship with God, one that calls for compassion toward all people, regardless of belief.
Moved by the moment, I approached Apostle Ihemeje for further insight. He explained that his ministry is rooted in the biblical command to preach the gospel in all places, referencing Mark 16:15. Bus stops, he said, are just one of many locations where he shares the message of hope.
Apostle Dr. Okay Ihemeje, Founder, True Word Royal Embassy Worldwide
Beyond preaching, Apostle Ihemeje’s ministry is deeply involved in charitable work. True Word Royal Embassy Worldwide, which he leads, operates a nursery, primary, and secondary school that will mark its second anniversary this September. Over 20 pupils have received full scholarships, including free books and uniforms. The church also runs free summer coaching sessions, supports small businesses, pays rent for struggling families, and has helped women settle hospital bills after childbirth.
“Love is the absence of hatred,” he said. “If everyone put love into motion, there would be no ethnic or religious divide.”
The wheelchair, he explained, was chosen with care. His son had helped select a rust-proof model to ensure durability. Apostle Ihemeje likened the gift to giving someone a car—an act that restores dignity and mobility.
As Yahaya settled into his new wheelchair, assisted by members of the crowd, the pastor led a prayer and encouraged everyone present to celebrate God. The moment was not just about charity, it was a public demonstration of faith in action.
In closing, Apostle Ihemeje offered a message to Nigerian youth, urging them to embrace service and patience.
“You cannot be served until you have served,” he said. “And you cannot serve until you discover your purpose.”
The morning’s encounter, unexpected yet deeply moving, served as a reminder that kindness, especially when given freely can transform lives and uplift communities.
Before departing, Yahaya, his voice trembling with emotion expressed deep gratitude to Apostle Ihemeje and the entire Christian community.
“I never imagined such kindness would come my way,” he said. “May God bless the pastor and the body of Christ worldwide for this gift. You have restored my dignity and given me hope.”
He likened the wheelchair to receiving a car, saying it would completely change how he moved through life.
“This is like someone buying me a car,” Yahaya said. “I can now go places without crawling or depending on others.”
He added in Hausa, “Allah ya saka da alheri. Wannan kyauta ta canza rayuwata. Na gode da zuciya ɗaya.”
(Translation: May God reward you with goodness. This gift has changed my life. I thank you wholeheartedly.)
His companions echoed the sentiment, thanking the church for showing love without boundaries. Their appreciation added a final layer of warmth to a morning already overflowing with grace.
