2027: Zion Ministry Founder Backs Hamzat, Seeks Protection for Igbo Businesses in Lagos

LAGOS — The Founder and Spiritual Director of Zion Prayer Movement Outreach (ZPMO), Evangelist Chukwuebuka Anozie Obi, has pledged his support for Lagos State Deputy Governor and All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship candidate, Dr Kadiri Obafemi Hamzat, ahead of the 2027 governorship election, while urging the protection of Igbo-owned businesses and properties across the state.

Obi made the appeal during a special birthday thanksgiving service held at the ministry’s headquarters in Lagos in honour of himself and his twin brother, Engr. C. C. Obi, where Hamzat joined the cleric, worshippers and other guests to celebrate the occasion.

The cleric said the safety of Igbo traders, entrepreneurs and residents was essential to sustaining economic activities and promoting peaceful coexistence among the different ethnic communities that make up Lagos State.

He disclosed that during an earlier meeting with Hamzat, he had specifically sought assurances for the protection of Igbo-owned businesses and investments in major commercial centres, including Alaba International Market, the Lagos International Trade Fair Complex and Ladipo Market.

According to Obi, his appeal was motivated by concern for the welfare of Igbo businessmen and women whose commercial activities contribute to the state’s economy.

“I told him about our people at the Trade Fair, Alaba International and other markets. I told him about Igbo businessmen and women in Lagos. What I demanded from him was not for myself. I wanted our people’s properties and businesses to be safe,” he said.

Obi emphasised that protecting the lives, properties and investments of residents, irrespective of their ethnic backgrounds, would strengthen confidence in Lagos as a commercial destination and promote an inclusive society.

He also thanked Hamzat for recognising the contributions of ZPMO to the state and reaffirmed his support for the deputy governor and his running mate in the forthcoming election.

The cleric prayed for the success of the APC candidates at the polls, urging members of the congregation to pray for Hamzat’s long life, wisdom and capacity to lead.

Hamzat, who had visited the cleric as part of his consultations with stakeholders ahead of the 2027 election, was accompanied by Senator Musiliu Obanikoro, Director-General of the Lagos State APC Governorship Campaign Council; the party’s deputy governorship candidate, Princess Damilola Sonayon-James; and Lagos APC Chairman, Pastor Cornelius Oyefolu Ojelabi.

In his remarks, Hamzat acknowledged the contributions of religious organisations to community development, describing their roles as extending beyond spiritual activities to social welfare, youth empowerment and family support.

He said his administration, if elected governor, would pursue inclusive governance and ensure that residents had opportunities to prosper regardless of their ethnic, religious or social backgrounds.

“As we work towards a Lagos where every resident has the opportunity to thrive, I believe progress must go hand in hand with inclusion and a genuine commitment to the welfare of our people,” Hamzat said.

The APC governorship candidate also highlighted the economic importance of religious gatherings, noting that visitors who travel to Lagos for worship generate business for hotels, restaurants, transport operators and other service providers.

“Hundreds of thousands of people come to Lagos. When they come, they rent hotels, they eat food, they rent somewhere to stay, and therefore increase the economic activity of our state, blessing other people. So why should we stop that?” he said.

Hamzat’s remarks underscored the potential contribution of faith-based tourism to the state’s hospitality and service industries, particularly through the spending of visitors who attend religious programmes and conventions.

Addressing the concerns raised by Obi about the challenges confronting traders, Hamzat disclosed that he had taken up issues relating to market infrastructure and pledged that the road leading to Alaba International Market would be dualised and reconstructed.

He said he had also engaged market leaders and was continuing consultations with business stakeholders to understand their difficulties and identify areas where government intervention was required.

The proposed reconstruction and dualisation of the Alaba International Market road is expected to address infrastructure concerns affecting access to one of Lagos’ major commercial centres, although details of the project’s implementation timetable and funding were not provided in the statement.

Alaba International Market and the Lagos International Trade Fair Complex are important commercial hubs, while Ladipo Market is widely associated with automobile spare parts and related businesses. Traders operating in such centres depend on accessible roads, security and a predictable business environment to move goods, serve customers and protect their investments.

Obi’s appeal for the protection of Igbo-owned businesses also brought the question of economic inclusion into the political conversation ahead of the 2027 governorship election.

Lagos, Nigeria’s commercial hub, attracts residents and investors from across the country, making security, peaceful coexistence and equal treatment important considerations for businesses and communities alike.

For traders, assurances of protection are particularly significant because commercial investments often involve substantial capital tied up in shops, warehouses, merchandise and other property. Any threat to their safety or assets can affect livelihoods, employment and the wider supply chains that support the state’s economy.

Hamzat urged the congregation to continue praying for the cleric and the ministry, stressing the importance of cooperation between government, religious institutions and other stakeholders in advancing the development of Lagos State.

The engagement forms part of the political consultations taking place ahead of the 2027 governorship election, as candidates seek the support of community leaders, religious organisations, business groups and other influential stakeholders.

Obi’s endorsement provides Hamzat with a public expression of support from the ministry’s founder, while the cleric’s appeal places the protection of businesses and the welfare of residents at the centre of their engagement.

The challenge for any incoming Lagos administration, however, will be to translate campaign assurances into practical measures that protect lives and property, improve market infrastructure and ensure that residents can conduct legitimate business without discrimination.

For Lagos traders, the ultimate test will be whether commitments made during political consultations result in sustained security, better roads and a business environment in which investments are protected and all communities can contribute to the state’s continued economic growth.