Upperhill News

The Nigeria-China investment relations continues to deepen with the commissioning of the multi-million-dollar Sinomart Superstore at The Palms Shopping Mall, Ota, reinforcing Ogun State’s status as Nigeria’s leading investment destination.

Speaking at the event, the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment, Engr. Kehinde Akintomide, described the project as a reflection of the growing confidence of Chinese investors in Ogun State as well as a vote of confidence in the State’s business-friendly environment.

Represented by the Director of Investment, Ms. Yemisi Folarin cited the Ogun-Guangdong Free Trade Zone which is the first of its kind in West Africa and the numerous Chinese-owned manufacturing firms in Agbara and Igbesa as clear examples of the enduring economic ties driving the State’s industrial growth.

Engr. Akintomide revealed that Sinomart is among over 12 major industrial and commercial projects commissioned or facilitated within the Sango-Ota industrial corridor in the last five months, with cumulative investments running into several hundreds of billions of naira.

“This commissioning is a resounding vote of confidence, confidence in the economic viability and growth trajectory of Ogun State; confidence in the quality of our infrastructure, which continues to improve through targeted investment in our industrial corridors; confidence in our policy environment, which we have deliberately shaped to be transparent, predictable, and business-friendly; and confidence in the 5.5 million citizens of this State, whose purchasing power, entrepreneurial energy, and aspiration for a better quality of life make Ogun one of the most dynamic consumer markets on the African continent,” the Permanent Secretary said.

Commissioning the facility, the Olota of Ota, Oba (Prof.) Adeyemi Obalanlege, attributed the steady influx of investments to the peaceful and welcoming nature of the Ota community.

He said the investments have continued to create jobs and stimulate economic activities, while reaffirming the traditional institution’s commitment to supporting policies that promote enterprise and development.

Earlier, the Managing Director of Sinomart Superstore, Mr. Sky Chunming Huang, commended the Ogun State Government and the host community for providing an enabling environment for businesses to thrive. He noted that the company has contributed to job creation and the growth of local suppliers through its expanding operations.

Also speaking, Chairman, Adalemo Community Development Association, Engr. Jeremiah Olaonipekun whose Community Development Association hosts the Sinomart Superstore pledged to provide a safe, conducive and supportive environment appealing to the management of Sinomart to maintain established open door policy.

The event attracted government officials, business leaders and community stakeholders, including the Commissioner for Community Development and Cooperatives, Alhaji Ademola Balogun, represented by the Director of Cooperative Services, Mr. Samuel Mustapha, and the Chairman of Ado-Odo/Ota Local Government, Hon. Wasiu Lawal.

The commissioning of Sinomart Superstore adds to the growing list of strategic investments positioning Ogun State as a hub for commerce, industry and foreign direct investment in Nigeria.