Obi made the declaration during his birthday celebration at the ZPMO headquarters, where Hamzat joined the cleric, members of the congregation and other guests in prayers and celebrations. The endorsement followed an earlier visit by the deputy governor as part of his consultations with key stakeholders ahead of the forthcoming election.
Hamzat was accompanied during the visit by Senator Musiliu Obanikoro, Director-General of the Lagos State APC Governorship Campaign Council; the deputy governorship candidate, Princess Damilola Sonayon James; and the Lagos APC Chairman, Hon. (Pastor) Cornelius Oyefolu Ojelabi.
At the centre of Obi’s engagement with the APC candidate was the security of Igbo traders and entrepreneurs whose businesses contribute significantly to the commercial activities of Lagos State. The cleric said he had specifically raised concerns about the safety of investments and livelihoods in major commercial hubs, including Alaba International Market, the Lagos International Trade Fair Complex and Ladipo Market.
Explaining the motivation behind his appeal, Obi emphasised that his intervention was driven by concern for the welfare of the people rather than personal interest.
“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 stressed that protecting traders, entrepreneurs and residents, irrespective of their ethnic backgrounds, was essential to sustaining economic growth and fostering a peaceful, inclusive society in which all communities could prosper.
The cleric also expressed appreciation to Hamzat for recognising the contributions of ZPMO to the state, describing the acknowledgement as a gesture of goodwill towards the ministry and its activities.
Reaffirming his support for Hamzat and his running mate, Obi offered prayers for their success at the polls. He further urged the congregation to pray for the candidate’s long life, wisdom and success, expressing confidence in their electoral prospects.
In his remarks, Hamzat acknowledged the contributions of faith-based organisations to community development, noting that their influence extended beyond religious activities to social welfare, youth empowerment and family support.
According to him, religious institutions play an important role in strengthening communities and supporting government efforts to improve the welfare of residents. He maintained that collaboration between government and such organisations remained necessary to achieving sustainable development.
The deputy governor also reiterated his commitment to inclusive governance, stressing that every resident of Lagos should have the opportunity to thrive, regardless of ethnic, cultural or social background.
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| L-R: Evangelist Chukwuebuka Anozie Obi, Founder and Spiritual Director of Zion Prayer Movement Outreach; Lagos State Deputy Governor and APC governorship candidate, Dr Obafemi Hamzat; and APC deputy governorship candidate, Princess Damilola Sonayon-James, during a special birthday thanksgiving service in honour of Evangelist Obi and his twin brother, Engr. C. C. Obi, at the ministry’s headquarters in Lagos, recently |
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| L-R: Evangelist Chukwuebuka Anozie Obi, Founder and Spiritual Director of Zion Prayer Movement Outreach and Lagos State Deputy Governor and APC governorship candidate, Dr Obafemi Hamzat; during a special birthday thanksgiving service in honour of Evangelist Obi and his twin brother, Engr. C. C. Obi, at the ministry’s headquarters in Lagos, recently |
He also highlighted the economic benefits of religious gatherings, explaining that worshippers who travel to Lagos for spiritual activities contribute to several sectors of the state's economy, including hospitality, food services and transportation.
“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 concerns about infrastructure affecting commercial activities, Hamzat disclosed that he had taken up issues raised by 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 understand the challenges confronting traders and identify areas where government intervention would be required.
The commitment to address the road infrastructure around Alaba International Market formed part of the broader discussion on improving the business environment and supporting commercial activities across Lagos.
Hamzat urged the congregation to continue praying for Obi and the ministry, underscoring the importance of cooperation among government institutions, religious organisations, business communities and other stakeholders in advancing the development of Lagos State.
The engagement brought together political leadership, religious stakeholders and members of the congregation at a time when consultations are gathering momentum ahead of the 2027 governorship election. The issues raised during the meeting placed particular emphasis on security of investments, infrastructure development, economic participation and the need for governance that accommodates the interests of Lagos State’s diverse population.