The Ogun–Guangdong Free Trade Zone (OGFTZ) has linked its infrastructure investments in host communities to increased commercial activities and employment opportunities, with more than 35,000 direct and indirect workers engaged across its operations and supporting businesses.
The Chairman of OGFTZ, Halfsat Odunwole Tafawa-Balewa, disclosed that the zone, which hosts more than 100 registered enterprises, has an estimated workforce of 10,000 direct and 25,000 indirect workers.
She said the development had made the industrial hub a significant source of employment and economic opportunities for residents of Igbesa and neighbouring communities in Ado-Odo/Ota Local Government Area of Ogun State.
Tafawa-Balewa identified the 10.25-kilometre Oba Adesola–Igbesa Road as one of the major infrastructure projects supporting industrial activities in the zone.
According to her, the road was constructed through a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) between the zone and the Ogun State Government.
She added that the project was complemented by an additional 4.5-kilometre road extension into the host community, while the zone also undertakes periodic rehabilitation of internal roads under its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiatives.
The OGFTZ chairman explained that the improved road network had enhanced the movement of people and goods, improved access to the industrial hub and encouraged businesses to grow along the corridor.
Beyond employment within the industrial facilities, she said the zone’s activities had created opportunities for businesses in transportation, retail, hospitality, logistics and property development.
Speaking on the impact of the infrastructure development, the Oloja-Ekun of Igbesa, Abdul-Azeez Oluwatoyin Akinde, said the construction of the Oba Adesola–Igbesa Road had significantly improved the economic fortunes of the community.
The monarch, who spoke with journalists, described the road project as one of the major developments he had witnessed since ascending the throne five years ago.
He said improved accessibility had encouraged business expansion and attracted further government infrastructure investments to the area, including support for the Atan–Igbesa–Badagry Expressway.
Akinde particularly highlighted the transformation along Oba Adesola Market Road, where he said the number of filling stations and other commercial establishments had increased considerably.
“When I ascended the throne five years ago, I could count the number of filling stations along Oba Adesola Market Road, where the Free Trade Zone is located. Today, the number has increased significantly, creating additional employment opportunities for our people,” the monarch said.
He added that the expansion of commercial activities had created more jobs for residents and attracted people from other communities to Igbesa in search of employment and business opportunities.
The monarch also recalled that during a visit by former President Olusegun Obasanjo to the zone, he learnt that OGFTZ had almost 10,000 workers.
He described the workforce as significant to the commercial, social and economic development of the kingdom.
However, Akinde said the growing population and increased commercial activities required corresponding improvements in public services, particularly security infrastructure.
He appealed to the government and relevant stakeholders to strengthen security arrangements in the community to protect residents, businesses and investors and sustain the area’s economic growth.
