OGFTZ Restates Commitment to Education

The Ogun–Guangdong Free Trade Zone (OGFTZ) has restated its commitment to supporting education through the 2025 edition of its Annual Schools’ Quiz and Debate Competition, held on Wednesday at the Community Civic Centre, Igbesa.

Speaking at the event, the Consul General of the People’s Republic of China in Lagos, Yan Yuqing, described the competition as an important cultural bridge that fosters youth engagement and deepens China–Nigeria relations. She commended OGFTZ for complementing industrial development with educational support initiatives in its host communities.

Yuqing, who congratulated all participating students, noted that China–Nigeria trade volume has risen to $20 billion this year, reflecting expanding bilateral cooperation. She encouraged students to continue learning the Chinese language and position themselves as future ambassadors of China–Nigeria friendship.

The event, organised by China-Africa Investment FZC in partnership with Wema Bank, Stanbic IBTC and several enterprises within the zone, attracted traditional rulers, education officials and political leaders who gathered to celebrate academic excellence.

Public primary and secondary schools from Igbesa and Ejila-Awori communities took part in the highly competitive quiz and debate sessions, which formed the main highlight of the programme.
Representing the Oloja Ekun of Igbesaland, HRM Oba Abdulazeez Akinde, HRM Engr. Teslim Olayemi Nasiru urged the students to remain focused on their studies, stressing that they are “leaders of today.” He applauded China-Africa Investment FZC for sustaining initiatives that promote quality education and a supportive learning environment.

A representative of the Ogun State Ministry of Education, Mrs. Badmus, also commended the organisers, noting that academic competitions play a vital role in motivating students toward scholarly excellence. She appealed for the programme to be expanded to cover the entire Ado-Odo/Ota Local Government Area.

Wema Bank’s Business Development Manager, Mr. Abiodun Agbetola, reaffirmed the bank’s support for youth development, saying Wema Bank remains committed to initiatives that enhance intellectual capacity and human development.

General Manager of China-Africa Investment FZC, Mr. Zhao, restated the company’s dedication to uplifting its host communities. He presented educational materials, cash gifts and other welfare items to students and teachers, saying the intervention would directly and indirectly benefit thousands of students across all participating public schools.

As part of the empowerment, modern mowing machines were also donated to the 18 public schools in Igbesa and Ejila-Awori to improve their learning environments. Zhao praised the commitment of teachers and emphasized that the company’s educational support goes beyond the annual event.
The programme further reinforced China-Africa Investment FZC’s long-term commitment to strengthening educational infrastructure, promoting academic excellence and contributing to a brighter future for students within the host communities.