Stakeholders Laud Ogun Free Trade Zone’s Education Programme

Education stakeholders and community leaders in Igbesa, Ado-Odo/Ota Local Government Area of Ogun State have praised the Ogun–Guangdong Free Trade Zone (OGFTZ) for its ongoing efforts to improve educational opportunities in their communities. The leaders highlighted several key interventions, such as the establishment of the China–Nigeria Friendship Model School, scholarship opportunities for deserving students, and a variety of academic, sporting, and extracurricular activities.

Mr. Joseph Ibikunle, head of Academics and School Services at the Ado-Odo/Ota Local Government Education Authority, praised the zone's efforts over the past 15 years. He noted that the OGFTZ consistently supported learners through improvements in school infrastructure, provision of educational materials, and scholarships for deserving students. These contributions, he said, had significantly enhanced the learning environment and created opportunities for students in the host communities.

High Chief Ezekiel Adewumi Durojaiye, the Otunba Amona of Igbesa, identified the China–Nigeria Friendship Model School as one of the zone's most significant contributions. He observed that the zone's establishment in the area has led to increased cultural ties between the community and China, even prompting joking references to the town as "China in Nigeria."

The chief expressed optimism that the school would expand to offer secondary and eventually tertiary education, further strengthening educational opportunities for the area's children.

Chief Ajidagba Jamiu, family head of Ilu Idofin, shared the personal impact of the zone's educational interventions. Four of his children attend the China–Nigeria Friendship School, and some local residents have benefited from OGFTZ-funded scholarships to study in China, with many returning to their professional fields. Jamiu appealed for an expansion of the scholarship program to benefit more students from the host communities, arguing that increased opportunities for education would contribute to the overall development of the area.

The Chairman of the Igbesa Educational Committee, Alhaji Saheed Animashaun, commended the OGFTZ partnership for its consistent support of educational and developmental programs over the past three years. He highlighted various initiatives organized by the zone, such as Children's Day celebrations, academic and cultural competitions, and the recognition of students' talents beyond the conventional classroom setting.

These activities, he said, have helped build students' confidence, encouraged healthy competition, and demonstrated the potential of public school students in the host communities. Animashaun emphasized the importance of investing in education as a means of developing the intellectual capacity and future leadership skills of young people, urging the OGFTZ to continue its valuable contributions.