The Imo State government has refuted claims made by former NERC Chairman, Dr. Sam Amadi, alleging irregularities in the allocation of land to Zion Ministry Incorporated in Mbaisii, Ngor-Okpala Local Government Area. At a press conference in Owerri, the Commissioner for Lands, Survey, and Physical Planning, Enyinnaya Onuegbu, dismissed the allegations as false, misleading, and intended to malign the government.
Onuegbu clarified that the land in question measures 2,000 hectares—not 30,000 as alleged—and was originally acquired by the state in 2003 under the administration of Governor Achike Udenwa. He said the acquisition followed all legal procedures, including negotiations with landowners, compensation payments, and the formation of an interface committee. Initially earmarked for an export processing zone under the Imo Gwandom Project with Chinese partners, the land was later re-allocated by Governor Rochas Okorocha to Imo-Chelsea Ltd for agricultural use, which also failed to take off.
In light of recent investment interest, Governor Hope Uzodimma approved the allocation of 1,000 hectares to Zion Ministry for integrated development. The commissioner explained that the ministry first approached the government to verify the land’s status after it was nearly deceived by trespassers attempting to sell it. A formal application was later submitted and approved, based on the ministry’s proposed use, which includes an auditorium, schools, hospital, estate, industrial facilities, and a skills acquisition center aimed at generating employment in the area.
Onuegbu accused detractors, including Dr. Amadi, of resorting to media campaigns instead of pursuing their case in court, describing it as an attempt to blackmail the state and the ministry. He noted that Dr. Amadi is not from the area and reiterated his confidence in the judiciary to resolve the matter appropriately.
The commissioner, supported by Surveyor-General Surv. Odidika Bob Uzodimma and traditional ruler HRH Eze Fred Nwachukwu, called on the local community to remain patient and supportive, highlighting the transformational impact Zion Ministry is already having in Mbaisii.
Meanwhile, youths from the Mbaisii Clan—covering Amala, Ikem, Alatia, Ntu, and Eziama communities—rallied in support of Zion Ministry, praising its contribution to development and affirming that the state followed due process in the land acquisition. Speakers at the event, including Engr. Anaelechi Chiemena Peta and Hon. Everest Chike, described the area’s transformation into an investment hub as long overdue and worthy of support.
