Igbesa leaders praise Ogun-Guangdong free trade zone's school and scholarship support

Community leaders and education officials in Igbesa, in Ado-Odo/Ota Local Government Area of Ogun State, have praised the Ogun-Guangdong Free Trade Zone (OGFTZ) for what they call years of steady support for schools in its host communities.

The stakeholders spoke in separate interviews with journalists, according to reports by Punch and ThisDay. Their comments were also carried in a statement by the zone's Public Relations Manager, Mr Tope Anthony.

They pointed to the China-Nigeria Friendship Model School, scholarships for students, and academic, sporting and cultural competitions as the main ways the zone has helped.

What the zone has done

Mr Joseph Ibikunle, Head of Academics and School Services at the Ado-Odo/Ota Local Government Education Authority, said the zone had supported learning for about 15 years. He listed school infrastructure, learning materials and scholarships for deserving students.

He said these had helped create a better learning environment and opened opportunities for children across the host communities. He asked the zone to keep the support going.

High Chief Ezekiel Durojaiye, the Otunba Amona of Igbesa, described the China-Nigeria Friendship Model School as one of the zone's most remarkable legacies. He said the school has tied the town closely to China, so much that people sometimes joke that Igbesa is "China in Nigeria."

He said the community would welcome the school growing to secondary level and, in time, tertiary programmes.

Chief Ajidagba Jamiu, family head of Ilu Idofin in Igbesa, said four of his children attended the school. He also said some Igbesa indigenes won OGFTZ scholarships to study in China, finished their courses and now work in their fields.

He asked for the scholarship scheme to be widened so more qualified students can benefit.

Alhaji Saheed Animashaun, Chairman of the Igbesa Educational Committee, said the zone has run at least one programme for young learners almost every year over the past three years. He named the annual Children's Day event and quiz, recitation, football, athletics and dancing competitions.

He said participating students received gifts including musical instruments, mowing machines and educational materials, and that the contests show public schools in the area have talented pupils.

Why it matters

For families in Igbesa, the school and scholarships mean less pressure to pay for private education, and a rare chance to study abroad. The leaders' main request is simple: more spaces and more scholarships.

The reports did not say how many students the school enrols, how many scholarships have been awarded, or what the zone plans to do next.