By Cynthia Alo

The Ogun State Governor’s Advisory Council has paid a courtesy visit to the Ogun–Guangdong Free Trade Zone (OGFTZ) as part of efforts to strengthen strategic collaboration and deepen partnerships aimed at driving sustainable economic growth in the state.

The visit was led by the Chairman of the Council, Dr. Hafsat Balewa, brought together royal fathers from the host community, political office holders, industrialists and policymakers.

Speaking during the engagement, Dr. Balewa described the Ogun–Guangdong Free Trade Zone as a premier free trade zone in West Africa, noting its rapid expansion and growing contribution to Nigeria’s economy.

She disclosed that the Zone currently generates over 10,000 direct jobs and more than 20,000 indirect employment opportunities.

According to her, the visit was designed to give members of the Governor’s Advisory Council first-hand insight into the operations of the Zone and to reinforce cooperation among stakeholders driving Ogun State’s industrial transformation.

Dr. Balewa expressed her delight at hosting the Council, whom she described as leaders of thought, for a first-hand experience of the Zone’s operations.

She noted that the visit will further strengthen industrial development in Ogun State and beyond.
Chairman of the Governor’s Advisory Council, Chief Barrister O. B. Okuboyejo, commended the development the Free Trade Zone has brought to its host communities, describing the achievements as worthy of applause.

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

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

He highlighted benefits such as job creation, technology transfer and impactful corporate social responsibility initiatives, describing them as a major boost to the community.

The monarch pledged the continued support of the host community for the Zone to enable it sustain growth and attract more investors.

The visit ended with a guided tour of the Ogun–Guangdong Free Trade Zone, offering members of the Advisory Council a closer look at its operational capacity and expanding industrial landscape.