The visit of the Chinese Ambassador to Nigeria, Mr. Yu Dunhai, to Governor Dapo Abiodun in Abeokuta has reinforced what many already acknowledge: Ogun State is steadily becoming the heartbeat of Nigeria’s economic growth, propelled by the Governor’s visionary leadership, pragmatic reforms, and relentless pursuit of investment opportunities.
Speaking during the courtesy visit, Ambassador Dunhai declared: “Governor Abiodun’s economic vision is a model for Africa. His government has built an enabling environment where investors feel confident, protected, and encouraged to thrive. This is why over 160 Chinese companies have already invested more than one billion dollars in Ogun State, with another 100 preparing to join.”
He noted that Ogun’s progress is not by chance but the result of purposeful leadership and deliberate policy choices. According to him, the State’s conducive climate, human capital, and investor-friendly governance have made it a magnet for Chinese businesses and an anchor of the China-Nigeria partnership.
For the envoy, the State stands tall as a prime beneficiary of the strengthened agreements recently signed between President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and President Xi Jinping, especially in manufacturing, infrastructure, and trade. “When we talk about the future of Nigeria’s economic cooperation with China, Ogun State represents the shining example,” he affirmed.
Governor Abiodun’s economic drive has been defined by a strategic harnessing of Ogun’s vast natural and human resources—its solid minerals, fertile agricultural land, and skilled workforce—while rolling out reforms that dismantle bureaucratic bottlenecks and enforce transparency. His zero-tolerance stance against illegal mining and insistence on structured partnerships have created both security and stability for investors.
Infrastructure development remains a centerpiece of this drive. The Gateway International Airport, now licensed for commercial operations, promises to unlock regional and international access. The Kajola Dry Inland Port under construction will enhance logistics, while the proposed Olokola Deep Seaport and planned extension of the Lagos Blue Rail Line into Ogun are set to position the State as Nigeria’s leading industrial and logistics hub.
The Ambassador’s invitation to Governor Abiodun to participate in the forthcoming Shandong Province investment roadshow in China stands as further proof that Ogun’s economic transformation has earned global recognition. It signals a new chapter where the State is no longer just a destination for investment, but also a voice shaping international economic partnerships.
Chairman of the Ogun-Guangdong Free Trade Zone, Hajia Hafsat Balewa, also lauded the visit, stressing that the Zone has become a significant contributor to Ogun’s economy and to Nigeria’s GDP, further validating the Governor’s policy direction.
In truth, the Ambassador’s words were both commendation and confirmation: Ogun State is being noticed across the world, and Governor Abiodun’s economic drive is the catalyst. His vision has placed Ogun firmly on the map as Nigeria’s fastest-growing investment hub, a State where opportunities translate into jobs, prosperity, and lasting development.
The visit was not just diplomatic—it was a global endorsement of Governor Dapo Abiodun’s resolve to redefine Ogun’s economic future and to turn the Gateway State into the Gateway of African industrial growth.
Tayo Mabeweje
Senior Special Assistant on Media to the Governor of Ogun State
