The Imo State government has debunked the misconception surrounding the allocation of 1,000 hectares of land to Zion Ministry at Mbaisii in Ngor-Okpala local government area.
The commissioner for Lands, Survey, and Physical Planning, Barr. Enyinnaya Onuegbu, made the rebuttal while addressing newsmen in Owerri, the Imo State capital.
The commissioner revealed that the land in question was legally acquired and due process followed in the allocation.
Barr. Onuegbu dismissed insinuations that 30,000 hectares were allocated to the ministry, stating instead that only 2,000 hectares were initially acquired in 2003 under Governor Achike Udenwa’s administration.
He stressed that 1,000 hectares were later allocated to Zion Ministry in 2018 after the original project failed, to develop public-use infrastructure like schools, hospitals, and housing project.
He said, “Contrary to the malicious falsehoods being spread, this land was earmarked for development to benefit the community. The allocation followed all legal procedures, and compensation was duly paid to affected communities”.
Barr. Onuegbu berated detractors for attempting to mislead the public, cautioning that legal action would be taken against individuals involved in illegal land sales.
He, however, assured investors of the state government’s commitment to providing security and a conducive business environment.
“This administration is focused on sustainable development and will not allow anyone to sabotage progress. Let us work together to build a stronger Imo State”.
Chairman of the host communities association, Chief Bernard Ihedioha said, “Zion Ministry has brought unprecedented development to us”.
Chief Ihedioha revealed that businesses have flourished, and land values have increased since the ministry’s arrived the community.
In a solidarity rally in Amaisi, the leaders stressed that since Zion Ministry established its presence in the community, “hundreds of youths have been gainfully employed, and the influx of investors has brought prosperity to the area.”
The communities submitted that Amala, Ikem, Alaita, Ntu and Eziama communities willingly gave their lands to the government in 2003, which later were on request allocated to Zion Ministry in 2018 for purposes of development.
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