The Imo State Government has defended its decision to allocate portions of land in Mbaisii, Ngor-Okpala Local Government Area to Zion Ministry, a prayer group owned by Chukwuebuka Obi, stating that the land was properly acquired from native owners.

This clarification comes amid protests from groups alleging that both the government and Zion Ministry failed to properly consult with indigenous landowners before the acquisition.

Government Clarifies Land Size and Acquisition Process

Enyinnaya Onuegbu, Commissioner for Lands, Survey and Physical Planning, explained that contrary to allegations of 30,000 hectares being seized, only 2,000 hectares were initially acquired in 2003 during former Governor Achike Udenwa's administration for the proposed Guangdong Free Trade Zone project, which subsequently failed.

"Upon expression of interest by Zion Ministries to make strategic investments in the area, the Government allocated 1,000 hectares of the existing 2,000 hectares to them," Onuegbu stated.

He emphasized that the allocation aligns with Governor Hope Uzodinma's administration's policies of promoting sustainable development initiatives in the state.

Planned Development Projects

According to the commissioner, the land has been designated for various public infrastructure projects including a school, hospital, religious center, water processing factory, event center, old people's home, and estate development.

"This decision was based on the projected economic and social impact, particularly job creation and regional development benefits which are already manifesting within the host community," Onuegbu added.

Compensation and Community Involvement

The commissioner confirmed that compensation for the land was fully paid, with the initial payment made during the original acquisition and the remaining balance subsequently cleared by the state government.

He further noted that Zion Ministry has made financial contributions to the five affected villages as part of its corporate social responsibility, with traditional rulers and community leaders actively involved in the process.

Onuegbu warned against individuals allegedly selling parts of the remaining government land illegally, stating that such persons would face prosecution. He urged the affected communities to embrace the development, asserting that the government's actions were in the best interest of the people.