Imo State Governor, Hope Uzodimma, has commended the Zion Prayer Movement Outreach (ZPMO) for its contributions to the spiritual and economic development of the state, saying the ministry has helped promote religious pilgrimage and tourism in Imo.
Uzodimma made the remarks while participating in the grand finale of the ZPMO Annual World Conference and Global Crusade, tagged “Miraculous Takeover,” held at Zion City in Ngor Okpala Local Government Area of the state.
The governor recalled that when the ministry approached the Imo State Government with plans to establish a permanent site in the state, he was pleased to support the request because of what he described as its potential benefits to the public.
According to him, the decision was informed by the broader public interest that the presence of the ministry could serve, particularly through its potential impact on the local economy and religious tourism.
Uzodimma said he was impressed by the scale of development he witnessed at Zion City during the conference, describing the transformation as evidence of the progress made since the ministry established its permanent presence in the area.
He said the level of infrastructure and activities at the site demonstrated that the original objective behind supporting the ministry’s establishment in Imo was being achieved.
The governor expressed appreciation to the founder and spiritual leader of the Zion Prayer Movement Outreach, Evangelist Ebuka Obi, for his commitment to the ministry and his continued spiritual guidance of its members, popularly known as Zionites.
“I commend Evangelist Ebuka Obi for his steadfastness in the work of God and for the spiritual guidance he continues to offer Zionites,” Uzodimma said.
He noted that the activities of the ministry extended beyond religious worship, arguing that the growing number of visitors to Zion City was also creating economic opportunities for residents and businesses within its host community.
According to the governor, the ministry is contributing to the expansion of commerce and trade not only in Ngor Okpala but across Imo State.
He said increased religious activities and pilgrimage had the potential to generate demand for accommodation, transportation, food, retail services and other businesses, thereby creating economic opportunities for local residents.
Uzodimma further described the development of Zion City as a positive example of how religious institutions can contribute to community development while fulfilling their spiritual responsibilities.
He assured the ministry that the Imo State Government would continue to provide necessary support to facilitate its growth and success in the state.
“The Imo State Government will continue to do all it can to support the success of this Ministry, which has brought religious pilgrimage and tourism to our dear State,” he said.
The governor also used the occasion to highlight Imo’s reputation as a peaceful destination, noting that the state was well positioned to benefit from increased religious tourism and pilgrimage.
The Annual World Conference and Global Crusade attracted worshippers and visitors to Zion City for a series of religious activities, with the grand finale serving as the climax of the programme.
Uzodimma’s participation underscores the growing interaction between the state government and faith-based organisations whose activities have implications for both religious life and local economic development.
The governor’s remarks also suggest that his administration views religious tourism as an avenue for attracting visitors, stimulating businesses and strengthening the state’s hospitality sector.
For the ZPMO, the establishment of Zion City in Ngor Okpala represents a major development in the ministry’s activities, providing a permanent location for worshippers and large-scale religious programmes.
Uzodimma’s commendation of the ministry’s development efforts and his pledge of continued government support are expected to further strengthen the relationship between the state and the organisation.
The governor maintained that while the spiritual impact of the ministry remained its primary purpose, its wider contributions to commerce, trade, pilgrimage and tourism should also be recognised.
He therefore praised Evangelist Ebuka Obi and the Zionites for their commitment, expressing confidence that the ministry would continue to contribute positively to the development of Imo State.
