Evangelist Chukwuebuka Anozie Obi, founder and spiritual director of Zion Prayer Movement Outreach (ZPMO), has expressed support for Lagos State Deputy Governor and All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship candidate, Dr Kadiri Obafemi Hamzat, ahead of the 2027 governorship election. He also urged the government to ensure the safety of Igbo-owned businesses and properties across Lagos State.
Obi made the appeal during his birthday celebration at the ZPMO headquarters, where Hamzat joined the cleric, members of the congregation and other guests to celebrate the occasion and offer prayers.
Before the celebration, Hamzat had visited the cleric as part of his consultations with stakeholders ahead of the 2027 election. He was accompanied by Senator Musiliu Obanikoro, Director-General of the Lagos State APC Governorship Campaign Council; deputy governorship candidate, Princess Damilola Sonayon James; and Lagos APC Chairman, Hon. (Pastor) Cornelius Oyefolu Ojelabi.
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Recounting his meeting with the deputy governor, Obi said he had specifically appealed for assurances that Igbo traders and entrepreneurs operating in major commercial hubs, including Alaba International Market, the Lagos International Trade Fair Complex and Ladipo Market, would be protected.
The cleric explained that his request was motivated by concerns over the safety of the investments, businesses and livelihoods of Igbo residents who contribute to Lagos State’s commercial activities.
“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,” Obi said.
He emphasised that protecting Igbo traders, business owners and residents was essential to fostering an inclusive environment where people from different backgrounds could live, work and prosper without fear.
Obi also expressed appreciation to Hamzat for recognising the contributions of ZPMO to Lagos State, describing the acknowledgement as a positive gesture towards the ministry.
Reaffirming his support for Hamzat and his running mate, the cleric offered prayers for their success in the 2027 election. He urged the congregation to pray for the candidate’s long life, wisdom and success, while expressing confidence in their prospects.
In his remarks, Hamzat acknowledged the contributions of faith-based organisations to community development, noting that their influence extends beyond spiritual activities to include social welfare, youth empowerment and family support.
He said his vision for Lagos included creating opportunities for residents from different ethnic and social backgrounds, stressing that inclusive governance and sustained engagement with stakeholders were important to the state’s development.
“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 impact of religious gatherings, explaining that visitors who travel to Lagos for worship contribute to businesses in the hospitality, food and transportation sectors.
“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.
On the concerns raised about market infrastructure, Hamzat disclosed that he had taken up issues affecting traders and pledged that the road leading to Alaba International Market would be dualised and reconstructed.
He added that he had engaged market leaders and was continuing consultations with business stakeholders to better understand the challenges facing traders and identify areas where government intervention was needed.
Hamzat also encouraged members of the congregation to continue praying for Obi and the ministry, highlighting the importance of cooperation between the government, religious institutions and other stakeholders in advancing Lagos State’s development.
The meeting brought together political and religious stakeholders, with discussions focusing on the protection of businesses, infrastructure development, economic activity and the need for inclusive governance as Lagos prepares for the 2027 governorship election.
