The Imo State Government has defended its allocation of land in Mbaisii, Ngor-Okpala Local Government Area to Zion Ministry, a religious organization led by Evangelist Chukwuebuka Obi, following protests over alleged lack of proper consultation with indigenous landowners.

 

Responding to the backlash, the State Commissioner for Lands, Survey and Physical Planning, Enyinnaya Onuegbu, stated that the land in question was lawfully acquired by the state from native owners and that due compensation had been paid.

 

Onuegbu clarified that the recent allocation to Zion Ministry aligns with Governor Hope Uzodinma’s administration’s policy of encouraging strategic partnerships for sustainable development. He added that the religious group had demonstrated commitment to projects that reflect the government’s development vision.

 

Dispelling claims that 30,000 hectares were forcefully taken for the ministry, Onuegbu revealed that only 2,000 hectares were initially acquired in 2003 under former Governor Achike Udenwa for the proposed Guangdong Free Trade Zone, a project that was later abandoned. Since then, portions of the land have been reallocated following standard procedures due to underutilization.

 

According to the Commissioner, Zion Ministry was granted 1,000 hectares out of the available 2,000 hectares to develop essential public infrastructure. These include a school, hospital, religious center, water-processing plant, event center, old people’s home, and residential estate.

 

He emphasized that the decision was informed by the anticipated social and economic benefits, including job creation and regional development, which are already beginning to take shape in the host community.

 

“For the avoidance of doubt, those spreading malicious falsehoods about this allocation are driven by selfish interests and personal gain. The government is aware of individuals illegally selling parts of the remaining land and will prosecute them accordingly,” he stated.

 

Onuegbu also noted that, in addition to government compensation, Zion Ministry had made financial contributions to the five affected villages, with traditional rulers and community leaders fully involved in the process.

 

He concluded by urging the communities to embrace the development and reiterated that the government’s actions are in the best interest of the people.