OGFTZ, infrastructure investments drive 35,000 jobs, boost commerce in Ogun

By James Ogunnaike Abeokuta

The Ogun–Guangdong Free Trade Zone (OGFTZ) has attributed the growing commercial activities and employment opportunities in its host communities to investments in critical infrastructure, disclosing that its operations and associated businesses currently support more than 35,000 direct and indirect jobs.

The Chairman of OGFTZ, Halfsat Odunwole Tafawa-Balewa, said the Zone, which hosts more than 100 registered enterprises, has an estimated workforce of 10,000 direct employees and 25,000 indirect workers, making it a major source of employment and economic opportunities in Igbesa and neighbouring communities in Ado-Odo/Ota Local Government Area of Ogun State.

Tafawa-Balewa identified improved road infrastructure as a major factor supporting the growth of industrial and commercial activities in the area, particularly the 10.25-kilometre Oba Adesola–Igbesa Road, executed through a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) arrangement between the Zone and the Ogun State Government.

She explained that the project was complemented by an additional 4.5-kilometre road extension into the host community, as well as periodic rehabilitation of internal roads by the Zone under its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiatives.

According to her, the improved road network has eased the movement of people and goods, enhanced access to the industrial hub and encouraged the establishment and expansion of businesses along the corridor.

She added that the economic impact of the Zone extended beyond employment within its industrial facilities, noting that its operations had stimulated activities in transportation, retail trade, hospitality, logistics and property development.

Tafawa-Balewa said improved accessibility had created additional opportunities for entrepreneurs and businesses in Igbesa and surrounding communities, while strengthening the relationship between industrial development and the economic prosperity of the host communities.

Speaking on the impact of the development, the Oloja-Ekun of Igbesa, Oba Abdul-Azeez Oluwatoyin Akinde, said the construction of the Oba Adesola–Igbesa Road had significantly improved the economic fortunes of the community.

The traditional ruler, who spoke with journalists, described road infrastructure as one of the most significant developments he had witnessed since ascending the throne five years ago, noting that the project had improved accessibility, encouraged investment and accelerated commercial activities in Igbesa.

According to him, the improved road network had encouraged the establishment of new businesses and the expansion of existing commercial ventures, while attracting further government infrastructure investments to the area, including interventions relating to the Atan–Igbesa–Badagry Expressway.

He particularly drew attention to the transformation along Oba Adesola Market Road, where 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.

Oba Akinde added that the expansion of commercial activities had created more employment opportunities for residents and attracted people from other communities to Igbesa in search of jobs and business prospects.

Recalling the economic significance of the industrial hub, the monarch said he learnt during a visit to the Zone by former President Olusegun Obasanjo that OGFTZ had a workforce of almost 10,000 people.

He described the employment capacity of the Zone as a major contributor to the commercial, social and economic development of Igbesa Kingdom, stressing that the benefits of industrial activities were being felt beyond the factory premises.

The monarch, however, observed that the growing population and increasing commercial activities in the community required corresponding improvements in public infrastructure and essential services, particularly security.

He appealed to the Ogun State Government and other relevant stakeholders to strengthen security arrangements in Igbesa and its environs to protect residents, businesses and investors.

Oba Akinde stressed that sustained economic growth would depend not only on infrastructure development and industrial investments but also on a safe and secure environment capable of attracting new businesses and protecting existing investments.

He urged the government and other stakeholders to consolidate the gains recorded through infrastructure development by giving greater attention to security and other critical needs of the host communities.