Ogun–Guangdong Free Trade Zone Restates Commitment to Stakeholder Engagement, Economic Development

Esther Oluku

The Chairman, Ogun–Guangdong Free Trade Zone (OGFTZ), Dr Hafsat Balewa, has reaffirmed the Zone’s commitment to strengthening its relationship with host communities while deepening economic development in the State.

She made the remarks on the sidelines of a courtesy visit by members of the Ogun State Governor’s Advisory Council to the Zone, recently.

The meeting, which was also attended by traditional rulers from the host community, political office holders, industrialists and policymakers, she said, formed part of ongoing efforts by the Zone’s management to strengthen strategic collaboration and deepen partnerships aimed at driving sustainable economic growth in the state.

According to her, the Free Trade Zone, which currently generates over 10,000 direct jobs and more than 20,000 indirect employment opportunities, is poised for further expansion as it continues to scale up its industrial operations.

Speaking during the visit, Dr Balewa described OGFTZ as a premier Free Trade Zone in West Africa and expressed her delight at hosting members of the Governor’s Advisory Council, noting that the visit provided them with a first-hand view of the Zone’s operations and impact.

In his remarks, the Chairman of the Ogun State Governor’s Advisory Council, Chief Okuboyejo, commended the activities of the Zone and the development it has brought to its host communities, describing its achievements as worthy of applause.

He congratulated the community on hosting such a strategic trade and investment ecosystem and praised Dr Balewa’s business acumen and global exposure, which he said had been instrumental to the success of the Zone.

Also speaking, His Royal Majesty, Oba Abdulazeez Oluwatoyin Akinde, the Oloja Ekun of Igbesa Land, expressed appreciation to the management of the Free Trade Zone for driving industrial transformation in Igbesa.

He highlighted the numerous benefits the Zone has delivered to the community, including employment opportunities, technology transfer and impactful corporate social responsibility initiatives, which he described as a great blessing. The monarch pledged the continued support of the host community for the Free Trade Zone.