Evangelist Ebuka Obi set to begin construction of Zion Ministry’s Projects in Imo state admist land grabbing allegations against him and Imo state government by the people of Nkor Okpala.

The Imo State Government has defended its decision to allocate 1,000 hectares of land to the Zion Prayer Movement Outreach, led by Evangelist Chukwuebuka Obi, in Ngor Okpala Local Government Area.

The allocation is for the development of public-use infrastructure, including a school, hospital, and religious center.

Background of the Land Allocation

The allocated land is part of a 2,000-hectare parcel initially acquired by the state government in 2003 for the proposed Guangdong Free Trade Zone project, which never took off.

According to the Commissioner for Lands, Survey, and Physical Planning, Enyinnaya Onuegbu, the government has the right to revoke and reallocate land not utilized within the stipulated timeframe.

Allegations of Land Grabbing

However, six communities in the Mbaishii area of Ngor Okpala have accused the Imo State Government and Evangelist Ebuka Obi’s Zion Ministry of forcefully seizing over 30,000 hectares of farmland without consultation or legal acquisition.

The communities claim that the land seizure has violated their rights to property, culture, and economic development, and have appealed to the federal government to intervene.

Government’s Response

The Imo State Government has maintained that the land allocation to the Zion Ministry was done in line with its vision for sustainable development and job creation.

The government has also stated that compensation for the land was duly paid upon initial acquisition, and the remaining balance has since been cleared.

Additionally, the Zion Ministry has made financial contributions to the five affected villages as part of its corporate social responsibility

Projects Planned by Zion Ministry

The Zion Ministry plans to develop various projects on the allocated land, including:

School: Providing education for children
Hospital: Offering medical care to residents
Religious Center: Serving as a place of worship
Water Processing Factory: Creating employment opportunities

Event Centre: Hosting community events
Old People’s Home: Providing care for the elderly

Estate Development: Creating residential areas

Evangelist Ebuka Obi has expressed his vision for the Zion Ministry’s projects, stating that they aim to provide care for orphans and the elderly, and promote community development. He has also announced plans to replicate the Seraphic Home project in other Southeastern states