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The Ogun-Guangdong Free Trade Zone (OGFTZ) has highlighted its contributions to education, healthcare, infrastructure and entrepreneurship in its host communities, saying its activities are helping to translate Nigeria-China relations into local economic opportunities
The Administrative Manager of the Nigeria Export Processing Zones Authority (NEPZA) at the Ogun-Guangdong Free Trade Zone, Mr Steven Makanjuola, said the Zone’s development efforts were aimed at supporting industrial growth while improving the welfare of surrounding communities.
He said the Zone had maintained the China-Nigeria Friendship School in Igbesa for more than 14 years, with over 700 pupils benefiting from the initiative.
Makanjuola also highlighted an inter-school knowledge competition that has benefited more than 10,000 students over the years. Other education-related interventions include the provision of teaching and learning materials, sports equipment, musical instruments and other support to public schools.
“Our growth depends not only on investment but also on the relationships we build with the people around us,” he said.
Providing details of the Zone’s community development initiatives, OGFTZ Public Relations Manager, Mr Tope Anthony, highlighted its interventions across education, healthcare, infrastructure and economic empowerment.
The Zone’s education programmes also include free Chinese language classes and fully funded scholarships for indigenes to study in China. It has equally supported schools with sound systems, stationery, food items and cash prizes for outstanding performance.
In healthcare, the Zone has built a hospital block and donated medical supplies, while also supporting medical outreaches in surrounding communities.
Its infrastructure projects include road construction, including the Oba Adesola Market Road, which is estimated to benefit more than 350,000 people.
The Zone has also introduced community empowerment programmes targeting youths, farmers, women and other residents. These include grants and starter kits for young people, a water facility serving more than 5,000 people, support for 20 widows to sustain their businesses, and an agronomy programme that trained farmers and provided starter kits.
Sports activities organised with community participation have also benefited more than 2,000 youths.
Makanjuola said the Zone also served as a link between Nigerian and Chinese businesses, creating opportunities for investment, partnerships and skills transfer.
“We also see the Zone as a bridge between Nigerian and Chinese businesses, creating opportunities for investment, partnerships, skills transfer and stronger economic relations between both countries,” he said.
He added that the management remained committed to engaging host communities and identifying areas where further support could make a difference.
“We remain committed to constructive engagement, listening to our stakeholders and identifying practical ways to contribute further,” he said.
The Zone said its broader objective was to sustain industrial activity while creating opportunities for residents of its host communities.
“Our commitment is clear: to grow as an industrial hub while contributing to employment, opportunity and shared progress in our host communities,” Makanjuola said.
