By EDISON Okereke
Governor Hope Uzodimma’s Special Adviser on Public Orientation, Sir Collins Ughalaa, yesterday, allayed the fears of landowners for the integrated Special Energy Free Trade Zone in host communities over the speculation that it is a ploy by government to grab their land.
Ughalaa described it as a deliberate falsehood spread by desperate individuals who do not mean well for the state.
The communities include Mgbara, Ekeugba, Obokofia, and Oforola.
According to Ughalaa, “The rumours are misleading and intended to cause confusion in the host communities. Sadly, those behind them have chosen to ignore the positive life-changing benefits of the project and instead focus only on their personal interests.
“The state government is not taking all the land in any of the host communities, nor is there any such plan. Only the designated portions required for the project are being acquired, and this is being done in consultation with the affected communities. The host communities are fully aware of the specific areas allocated for the project, and no additional land is needed.
The government remains committed to transparency, fair compensation, and continuous dialogue in the land acquisition process. Discussions with the communities are ongoing to ensure fairness and cooperation.”
The Integrated Special Energy Free Trade Zone is the most ambitious development project in the history of Imo State. It is designed to attract investors, drive industrialisation, and accelerate economic growth. For years, well-meaning Imo people have hoped for a project of this scale, and it is now becoming a reality.
“Spanning four local government areas, Ohaji-Egbema, Oguta, Owerri West, and Ngor-Okpala; the project was approved by the president due to the availability of key raw materials in the area, the project includes, a river port, petrochemical plants, an oil refinery, power generation facilities, an industrial cluster, a mini Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) plant –modeled after the Nigeria Liquefied Natural Gas (NLNG) facility in Finima, Bonny Island n Rivers State; a methanol plant, the Orashi Special Energy Free Zone, fabrication yards, housing units, among other infrastructure.”
Continuing, Ughalaa said, “The Integrated Special Energy Free Trade Zone will not only industrialise the state and provide much-needed electricity to power our homes and businesses, but it will also create millions of direct and indirect jobs. This project has the potential to transform the Imo economy and seriously improve the livelihoods of residents, particularly those in the host communities.
“Now is the time for Imo people to rally behind this development and show unwavering support. The host communities have an opportunity to drive progress by working with the government to ensure the project succeeds. They should resist attempts by disgruntled politicians and self-serving individuals to derail such a transformative initiative.
“This is a defining moment for all of us in Imo State and we are privileged to be alive to witness it. We can and we should embrace progress and collaborate with the government to unlock economic opportunities, pursue technological advancement, and position Imo as a key player in manufacturing, trade, and commerce. Let us not allow those who thrive on division to hold us back. Instead, let us seize this opportunity to build a stronger, more prosperous future for our state.”
