By Chukwuma Umeorah
Zion Prayer Movement Outreach (ZPMO) has explained why it chose Imo State as the venue for its upcoming three-day World Conference.
According to the ministry, Imo fits the bill in its quest for a larger space to accommodate its rapidly expanding congregation.
The ministry also disclosed that it will establish its Zion City in Ngor-Okpala, Imo State, which will serve as its headquarters that will house a university, secondary school, hospital, and facilities for the elderly.
A Senior Member of its Evangelical Ministry, Patrick Ihionu, revealed this during a press conference held in Lagos yesterday, where he urged members and the public to participate in the concluding days of its ongoing 100-day prayer and fasting programme, which will culminate in a three-day world conference from August 23 to 25 at its newly acquired property in Imo.
His words: “We have secured 21,000 plots of land in Ngor-Okpala in Imo State, where we would build a Zion City, not only an auditorium. We would have a university, secondary school, hospital, and old people’s home to cater to our members and indeed the people of Imo State and worldwide. This will serve as our headquarters in Nigeria. Before now, we have held it in Lagos, so for us, it is like a home-coming.”
Speaking on the provision of security for members and the public who will be attending the conference, Ihionu stated that arrangements have been concluded with the Imo State government and necessary security agencies to ensure the safety of life and property for worshippers who will be visiting from across the world.
Ihionu stated that this intensive spiritual exercise is designed to encourage self-examination, repentance, and a closer relationship with God, particularly now that the nation is in a dire state and the people are suffering.
He emphasized the significance of this period, stating that, “this is a time of modification and introspection, where we acknowledge our sins and seek forgiveness from God, as 1 John 1:10 reminds us. This would foster a radical change in our value system, and our country would start experiencing the development it needs.”
In addition to spiritual exercises, he emphasized that the Zion Prayer Movement extends its impact through humanitarian initiatives, adding that “the Seraphic Home Foundation, an arm of the ministry, provides care for the poor, destitute, and orphans. The ministry also operates Seraphic Hospital, which assists those unable to afford medical treatment, and offers legal aid to those in need.”
Responding to a question about its court case against a controversial blogger who is facing trial for threatening the life of Evangelist Ebuka Obi, the founder of the Movement, Ihionu explained that the blogger was granted bail some months ago and that he perfected his bail conditions and ought to have been released.
“However, the blogger is embroiled in other alleged cybercrime offenses against other parties not related to Zion Ministry and Evangelist Ebuka, for which he is still being held pending his arraignment for the other charges,” he explained.
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