Governor Dapo Abiodun of Ogun State on Tuesday, August 19, 2025, received the Chinese Ambassador to Nigeria, Mr. Yu Dunhai, and the Chairman of the Ogun Guangdong Free Trade Zone (OGFTZ), Dr. Hafsat Balewa, during a courtesy visit to the State House in Abeokuta.
The visit focused on strengthening economic ties between Ogun State and the People’s Republic of China, particularly in trade, investment, and industrial development.
Image credit: @DapoAbiodunCON via X.
Welcoming his guests, Governor Abiodun commended the long-standing bilateral relationship between Nigeria and China and reaffirmed Ogun’s strategic position as a non-oil-dependent economy endowed with vast natural resources, including limestone, lithium, gold, and calcium carbonate.
“Beyond our resources, we are committed to creating an enabling environment for investors through strong public-private partnerships,” Abiodun said. “This has encouraged the growth of industries across Ogun and enhanced the state’s position on Nigeria’s economic index.”
The governor also highlighted recent infrastructural projects, including improved road networks, the approval of a new commercial airport, and progress on seaport facilities, which he said are designed to attract greater investment.
In his response, Ambassador Yu, who was visiting Ogun for the first time, praised the state’s natural beauty and welcoming atmosphere.
“Though I’ve only been here for half a day, I’ve already fallen in love with the state. My first impression is that this is a beautiful place — lush greenery, great weather, and very welcoming people,” he said.
The ambassador noted that Ogun hosts the largest concentration of Chinese companies in Nigeria, with over 100 firms operating within the Ogun Guangdong Free Trade Zone. He reaffirmed China’s commitment to deepening its economic partnership with Nigeria, especially in agriculture, trade, and investment.
OGFTZ Chairman, Dr. Hafsat Balewa, also commended the favorable business climate in Ogun and acknowledged the major contributions of Chinese enterprises to Nigeria’s GDP.
“We are happy to have the Chinese here. They have invested heavily in areas like Sagamu, Igbesa, and Agbara. This visit is to reiterate the strength of our bilateral relationship, which continues to thrive,” she said, while also referencing President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s recent visit to China as a demonstration of both nations’ commitment to stronger ties.
The meeting ended with a renewed pledge from both sides to expand collaboration, further consolidating Ogun State’s position as Nigeria’s industrial hub.
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