By Ajibola Olaide, JKNewsMedia Reporter
OGUN STATE has intensified its international investment drive as Governor Dapo Abiodun led a high-level economic delegation to China, advancing talks on technology, industrial expansion, and trade partnerships to strengthen the state’s position as Nigeria’s leading industrial hub.
A statement issued by Hon. Kayode Akinmade, Special Adviser to the Governor on Media and Strategy, confirmed that the visit formed part of the administration’s wider plan to consolidate industrial clusters, expand the digital economy, and attract global partners into strategic projects across the state.
During the mission, the delegation met with Inspur, a leading IT firm based in Shandong Province.
The company, according to the statement, presented its history and long-term vision for innovation to the Ogun team.
The state’s officials also noted the striking similarities between Inspur’s trajectory and the concept behind the Ogun Tech Hub, reaffirming their commitment to strengthening the state’s digital economy.
“Our conversations with Inspur were focused on how we can translate this meeting into meaningful collaborations that will drive knowledge exchange, create opportunities for our people, and further strengthen the foundation of our digital economy,” the statement said.
The team also hosted Mrs. Linshuang Zhang, Chairman of Royal Ceramic, a major manufacturer with a factory in Sagamu, Ogun State. Her presence, the statement explained, reflected growing confidence in the administration’s investment policies.
It added that Mrs Zhang commended the state for building critical infrastructure, strengthening security, and ensuring policies that support manufacturers.
Governor Abiodun was quoted in the statement saying, “We reaffirmed our commitment to sustaining this trajectory of growth by continuing to create the right atmosphere for investment, innovation, and industrial expansion.
“It gives us great pride that investors such as Royal Ceramic recognise and celebrate these achievements, further validating our resolve to keep Ogun State at the forefront of Nigeria’s industrial revolution.”
The statement further confirmed that the Governor’s delegation held talks with the Managing Director of Lee Group, who disclosed upcoming investments in Ogun State valued at about 50 million dollars.
“This is yet another testament to the attractiveness of our state as the emerging industrial capital of Nigeria, and we remain committed to sustaining policies that make Ogun a preferred destination for global investors,” the statement said.
It noted that Lee Group is expanding its detergent business, which it described as the leading brand in Nigeria in terms of sales.
The expansion, it stated, will consolidate the company’s market leadership, create jobs, and stimulate economic activities across the value chain.
The company also unveiled plans to establish two new food processing factories dedicated to exports to the United States and Europe, a development that underscores international confidence in Ogun State’s industrial capacity.
As part of the mission, Governor Abiodun also met with the Governor of Shandong Province, Zhou Naixiang, to revive the Shando – Ogun State Economic and Trade Partnership under the framework of the Nigeria – China Comprehensive Strategic Partnership.
The engagement, the statement explained, aligned with the broader agreements reached between President Bola Tinubu and President Xi Jinping during the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) in Beijing in September 2024.
“This engagement is a reflection of our unwavering commitment to the Renewed Hope Initiative of our President exemplified by expanding the frontiers of investment and cooperation for the benefit of our people.
“During our discussions, we are exploring opportunities in key sectors such as agriculture, manufacturing, technology, infrastructure, and human capital development,” Governor Abiodun was quoted as saying.
The delegation also met with Wang Xinsheng, Mayor of Rizhao, in Shandong Province, where discussions centred on economic, maritime, and cultural cooperation.
At the meeting, Governor Abiodun emphasised the central role of the Olokola Deep Sea Port project in the state’s industrial and maritime future.
He explained that the port would serve as a gateway for enhanced trade between Africa and Asia.
According to the statement, Rizhao’s thriving port economy provided a platform for collaboration with world-class technical expertise and investment for Ogun State’s port development.
The statement further noted that the Governor highlighted Ogun’s mineral resources and opportunities for value-added development, stressing readiness to partner with global firms in the sector to boost industrialisation, create jobs, and expand the state’s revenue base.
It added that beyond economic pursuits, the Governor emphasised cultural and people-to-people exchanges between Ogun State and Rizhao, designed to strengthen bilateral relations and open new areas of cooperation in education and tourism.
The meeting with Mayor Wang Xinsheng was described in the statement as a milestone in Ogun State’s international investment efforts.
Following the meeting, Governor Abiodun visited Rizhao’s fully automated sea port to observe operations and explore development models applicable to the Olokola Deep Sea Port.
“We envisioned replicating this natural deep sea port in Ogun State with collaboration and technical knowledge from Shandong Port Group, owners of Rizhao Port,” the Governor was quoted as saying.
The state government noted that these engagements reflect its continuing commitment to transforming Ogun into a globally competitive industrial hub and consolidating its role as Nigeria’s investment gateway.
