NEPZA reaffirms commitment to Ogun host communities through development projects
by Moronfolu Adeyemi · The Eagle OnlineThe Nigeria Export Processing Zones Authority (NEPZA) has reaffirmed its commitment to improving the welfare of host communities around the Ogun–Guangdong Free Trade Zone through interventions in education, healthcare, infrastructure, youth empowerment and agriculture.
The authority’s Administrative Manager, Steven Makanjuola, disclosed this during a press briefing at the Ogun–Guangdong Free Trade Zone in Igbesa on Wednesday, highlighting the zone’s contributions to industrial development, community welfare and economic relations between Nigeria and China.
Makanjuola said the zone’s responsibilities extended beyond attracting investments and promoting industrialisation, stressing that sustainable growth depended on maintaining good relationships with host communities.
“We recognise that our growth depends not only on investment but also on the relationships we build with the people around us. We value this partnership and remain committed to making our presence meaningful to our host communities,” he said.
He explained that the free trade zone was established to promote industrialisation, attract investment and strengthen economic cooperation between Nigeria and China.
“The Ogun–Guangdong Free Trade Zone was established to promote industrialisation, attract investment and strengthen economic cooperation between Nigeria and China,” Makanjuola said.
According to him, the zone has provided a platform for businesses to operate, partnerships to flourish, jobs to be created and skills to be developed, translating bilateral relations into industrial investment, technology exchange and local economic opportunities.
On education, Makanjuola said the zone had established and maintained the China–Nigeria Friendship School in Igbesa for more than 14 years.
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He disclosed that the school currently had over 700 pupils and had been recognised by education stakeholders as one of the leading public primary schools in Ado-Odo/Ota Local Government Area of Ogun State.
The zone has also organised an inter-school knowledge competition for public schools across its host communities, benefiting more than 10,000 students over the years.
Makanjuola said the initiative was complemented by the provision of educational and extracurricular materials, including sound systems, mowing machines, musical instruments, sports equipment, stationery and food items. Cash prizes were also awarded to outstanding schools to encourage academic excellence.
On healthcare, the NEPZA official said the zone had constructed a modern hospital block for the community and periodically supported health facilities with medical supplies and outreach programmes.
“We constructed a modern hospital block for the community. We also periodically donate medical supplies to hospitals and organize medical outreaches for our host communities,” he said.
He added that infrastructure projects had also been undertaken to improve connectivity and commercial activities in surrounding communities.
“We constructed roads connecting communities, including the Oba Adesola Market Road, which has opened up Igbesa for greater commercial activity. These roads are estimated to benefit more than 350,000 people,” Makanjuola said.
The administrative manager further highlighted the zone’s youth empowerment initiatives, which provide financial support and business starter kits to help young people establish or expand their businesses.
“Through our annual empowerment programme, we have supported hundreds of youths with grants and business starter kits to establish or grow their businesses and pursue independent livelihoods. Our solar-powered community water facility provides access to water for more than 5,000 people,” he said.
Providing further details, the zone’s Public Relations Manager, Tope Anthony, said the interventions were designed to address practical community needs, improve livelihoods and promote sustainable development alongside industrial growth.
Anthony explained that the programmes complemented the zone’s core objectives of attracting investment, generating employment and strengthening economic cooperation between Nigeria and China.
He reiterated that community development remained an ongoing responsibility requiring regular engagement with residents and other stakeholders to identify emerging needs.
Makanjuola also reaffirmed the zone’s commitment to working with traditional institutions, community leaders, residents, government agencies and other stakeholders to identify priority areas and develop further interventions.
He said the zone would continue to pursue initiatives that improve community welfare while advancing industrial growth, employment generation and mutually beneficial economic relations between Nigeria and China.
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